Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Power issued a new notification on 23 December 2025 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. This notification updates the rules for distribution transformers in India. The amendment was made after consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. All distribution transformers manufactured, sold, or purchased in India must now meet strict energy efficiency rules. Each transformer must pass type tests for load loss, no-load loss, and short-circuit impedance as per IS 2026 (Part 1):2011. BIS certification has become compulsory for every distribution transformer. The notification also extends existing star rating timelines from 2025 to 2026. A new Table 4 has been added. This table defines standard energy losses for distribution transformers up to 11 kV class. These limits apply from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029. The table covers ratings from 16 kVA to 2500 kVA and sets clear loss limits for 1-star to 5-star transformers at both 50% and 100% load. For transformer ratings not listed, BIS-certified energy efficiency levels will apply. This amendment improves power efficiency, reduces energy waste, and strengthens transformer quality across India. It also supports national energy conservation goals and long-term power sector sustainability.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Power, in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, has issued new energy efficiency standards for domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stoves. Effective from 1st January 2026, all LPG stoves sold, imported, or manufactured in India must meet the IS 4246:2002 standard. Each LPG stove must carry a star label indicating its thermal efficiency, ranging from 1 Star (≥68%) to 5 Star. Testing must follow IS 4246:2002, with no negative tolerance allowed. The lowest efficiency burner determines the star rating. Only stoves certified by BIS and tested by NABL/ILAC/APAC/CSIR-approved labs are eligible. Manufacturers must register through the Standards & Labeling Portal and submit test reports for three stove samples. These rules aim to promote energy-efficient LPG stoves, reduce gas usage, and support energy conservation in India.  

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Power has released a draft notification for the Energy Conservation (Compliance Enforcement) Rules, 2025, under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. These rules aim to ensure energy efficiency across industries, manufacturers, importers, and other relevant entities. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will lead the process of monitoring, verifying, and reporting non-compliance. If any entity fails to meet energy efficiency norms, penalties will be imposed as per the law. Reports must be submitted regularly to BEE, which will then verify and report to the Central Government. State Electricity Regulatory Commissions will handle adjudication, and penalties collected will be credited to the Central Energy Conservation Fund, with 90% going to the states. BEE will also create regulations and issue guidelines for these rules. This initiative promotes sustainable energy use, regulatory compliance, and clean energy adoption, contributing to India’s energy conservation goals and efficient resource management.