The Planning Commission has proposed that solid state lighting and efficient gas/solar water heating should be exempted from all import duties, it is learnt. Sources said the Planning Commission in the energy conservation plan presented to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani recommended measures to save energy.
The proposed measures said all the solid state lighting and efficient gas/solar water heating to be exempted from import duties so that ordinary lights with solid lights and gas geysers with solar geysers or instant gas geysers could be replaced in phases. It has also been suggested to the government to direct banks to provide support to consumers for efficiency improvement on the energy front.
The Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in the private sector could be hired for implementation of streetlights with solid state or this could be achieved through direct implementation by the relevant agencies. The effective implementation of many conservation measures requires outreach to consumers (public awareness campaign) and co-ordination with commercial and industrial consumers.
Imposing restrictions on social and commercial activities (eg marriage hall timings) will require effective co-operation by the public. The conservation culture must be promoted and energy audits encouraged. Advocacy and outreach cell be established in Planning Commission to prepare advocacy plan in consultation with ministry of information, ministry of water and power and ministry of petroleum and natural resources in 10 days for the competent authority for approval.