NEW DELHI: President Draupadi Murmu on Sunday emphasised the need to use electricity wisely and efficiently and said it not only leads to energy conservation but also reduces carbon emissions.Speaking at the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 at the capital’s Vigyan Bhawan, the President said that energy conservation was not just an option but was crucial for a balanced ecosystem. She said that every unit of energy saved was a symbol of responsibility towards nature, and behavioural change was crucial for bringing energy efficiency to all sectors.“Saving energy doesn’t simply mean using less, but rather utilising energy wisely, responsibly, and efficiently. When we avoid unnecessary use of electrical appliances, adopt energy-efficient devices, utilise natural light and ventilation in our homes and workplaces, or embrace solar and renewable energy options, we not only save energy but also reduce carbon emissions,” President Murmu said. She added that sustainable development of the country can be ensured if the youth and children make necessary efforts for energy conservation and that saving energy was equivalent to producing energy.The President also appreciated the Centre’s initiatives to promote the use of renewable energy in the form of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and said they helped in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. She noted that India’s energy efficiency efforts in 2023–24 resulted in energy savings of 53.60 million tonnes of oil equivalent. She said that these efforts are leading to significant economic savings annually and have also resulted in a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions. The President added that the government was also promoting renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency through the renewable consumption obligation and production-linked incentive schemes.She also gave away awards for energy conservation and the national painting competition on energy conservation at the event.Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that India had positioned itself at the forefront of the global energy shift by aligning its plans with the goal of limiting the increase in worldwide temperatures to below two degrees Celsius. He added that India was one of the fastest-growing economies, having one of the best energy efficiency improvement rates.Minister of state for power Shripad Yesso Naik said that energy conservation was not just a matter of technology but was also about behavioural change.
