The award was determined on the basis of the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2025.
Chandigarh Tops India in Energy Efficiency: Wins National Energy Conservation Award 2025
Chandigarh has emerged as the top performer in energy conservation and energy efficiency among Union Territories and states in India with first rank in the National Energy Conservation Award (NECA) 2025. The prestigious award was conferred by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, Government of India on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day, observed annually on December 14.
The award ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the honour to H Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary of Chandigarh, and C B Ojha, Chief Engineer, Chandigarh Administration. Alongside them were dignitaries including Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar.
Chandigarh’s top ranking in the Group–5 category, which comprises smaller states and Union Territories reflects exemplary performance in energy conservation measures and policy implementation. The award was determined on the basis of the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2025. This is a comprehensive national assessment framework developed by the BEE in collaboration with the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE). The SEEI evaluates states and Union Territories across key sectors, including buildings, industry, municipal services and transport, taking into account policy outcomes, institutional mechanisms, renewable energy adoption and overall energy efficiency results.
The Chandigarh Administration’s success stems from several robust initiatives. These include the notification for mandatory procurement of minimum prescribed star-rated electrical appliances in government buildings, the formulation and implementation of the State Energy Efficiency Action Plan (SEEAP), enforcement of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), and the promotion of electric cooking (e-cooking) along with other demand-side management and sustainability measures.
Chandigarh’s Energy Management Cell (EMC), established under the Engineering Department, played a key role in planning, executing, monitoring and reporting these initiatives, which significantly boosted the city’s energy performance and enabled systematic data submission for the SEEI assessment.
The recognition reinforces the Chandigarh Administration’s commitment to advancing energy efficiency and conservation as part of broader sustainable development objectives, supporting India’s transition toward cleaner and more efficient energy use.
Source: The Tribune
