INTRODUCTION 

India has made rapid strides towards economic self-reliance over the last few years. Impressive progress has been made in the fields of industry, agriculture, communication, transport and other sectors  necessitating growing consumption of energy for developmental and economic activities. If India is to achieve the targeted growth in GDP, it would need commensurate input of energy, mainly commercial energy in the form of coal, oil, gas and electricity.  However, India’s fossil fuel reserves are limited.  The known reserves of oil and natural gas may last hardly for 18 and 26 years respectively at the current reserves to production ratio.  India has huge proven coal reserves (84 billion tonnes), which may last for about 200 years but the increasing ash content in Indian Coal as well as associated greenhouse gas emissions are the major concern.  

Energy being an important element of the infrastructure sector has to be ensured its availability on sustainable basis. On the other hand, the demand for energy is growing manifold and the energy sources are becoming scarce and costlier. Among the various strategies to be evolved for meeting energy  demand, efficient use  of energy and its conservation emerges out to be the least cost option in any given strategies, apart from being environmentally benign. The steps to create sustainable energy system begin with the wise use of resources, energy efficiency is the mantra that leads to sustainable energy management.  

ENERGY DEMAND AND SUPPLY 

On the energy demand and supply side, India is  facing severe shortages.  70% of the total petroleum product demand is being met by imports, imposing a heavy burden on foreign exchange.   Country is also facing Peak power and average energy shortages of 12% and 7% respectively. To provide power for all , additional capacity of 100,000 MW would be needed by 2012,  requiring approximately Rs.8000 billion investment.  Further, the per capita energy consumption in India is too low as compared to developed countries, which is just 4% of  USA and 20% of the world average.  The per capita consumption is targeted to grow to about 1000 kWh per year by 2012 , thus  imposing extra demand on power system.   

IMPORTANCE OF  ENERGY CONSERVATION 

In a scenario where India tries to accelerate its development   process and cope with  increasing energy demands, conservation and energy efficiency measures are to play a central role in our energy policy.   A  national movement for energy conservation can significantly reduce the need for fresh investment in energy supply systems in coming  years. It is imperative that all-out efforts are made to realize this potential. Energy conservation is an objective to which all  the citizen in the country can contribute. Whether a household or a factory, a small shop or a large commercial building, a farmer or a office worker, every user and producer of energy can and must make this effort for his own benefit, as well as that of the nation.