Pakistan on Wednesday launched energy labeling by awarding certificates to three local manufacturers of electrical fans. This will be followed by implementation of efficiency standards in other electrical appliances like electric motors, washing machines and ovens.
Speaking on the occasion Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif said that the government has crossed an important milestone by launching the energy labeling (EL). The standard will be implemented across the electric appliances sector within the next few years.
The implementation of EL, prepared with the help of Japanese JICA was on hold for the last five years due to opposition from the industrial association. They termed EL arbitrary and said it would increase their production cost. Out of 250 fan manufacturing units in the country only three, GFC, Super Asia and Starco, opted voluntarily to implement the standard. Pakistani manufactured fans consume 120 to 140 watts while for the new EL fans the limit is set at under 60 watts.
According to International Energy Agency, National Energy Efficiency Standards and labeling (EESL) programmes have been in existence since the 1970s and are observed in more than 80 countries around the world, covering more than 50 different types of appliances and equipment in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors.
Enercon Manager Director Hassan Nasir Jamy said Enercon has closely worked with key stakeholders including Ministry of Science and Technology, PCSIR, PSQCA and manufacturers of various appliances and development partners which formed the basis for developing the energy labeling scheme in view of the best practices of regional countries. He said the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill, 2016, has been approved recently which will provide a legal basis to stop wastage of energy. Minister for Water and Power praised the steps taken by Enercon for bringing energy labeling scheme into practical phase which will help consumers buy energy efficient products. He also praised the fan manufacturers for voluntary registration in the Energy Labeling regime. He further said that the programme will give an opportunity to bring other products like motors, lights, ACs to international standard.
On behalf of fan manufacturers, GFC Fans CEO Muhammad Ilyas appreciated the minister and departments for the step taken to promote energy efficiency. He proposed that 27.5 per cent duties on the import of silicon electric steel sheet which is a basic raw material for motors and fans, should be reduced to zero level of 2014. He said the step will help a large number of small manufacturers produce energy efficient products at cheaper cost.
A proposal for exemption of duties was presented to the ECC and moved for consideration in the Finance Bill by the ministry as well as Enercon but it was not considered, the Ministry of Water and Power secretary revealed. The minister for water and power assured that the Ministry will take necessary steps in this regard.