As the global climate discourse intensifies, India has positioned itself as a leader among emerging economies in balancing growth with sustainability. The latest State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024, released on August 29 by the Ministry of Power, underlines this push by spotlighting states that are accelerating reforms in efficiency across buildings, industries, transport, agriculture, municipal services, and power distribution.
The index, developed jointly by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), assesses the progress of all 36 states and Union Territories (UTs) during the financial year 2023-24.
At a press briefing, Akash Tripathi, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power and Director General of BEE, described energy efficiency as central to India’s climate commitments: “As we chart our path towards net-zero emissions by 2070 and a 45 per cent reduction in emissions intensity by 2030, energy efficiency offers impactful, low-cost solutions across sectors.”
States were classified into four groups based on Total Final Energy Consumption (TFEC) to ensure fair comparison:
Group 1 (>15 MToE): Maharashtra emerged as the leader, credited for consistent improvements in the adoption of energy-efficient buildings and robust transport initiatives.
Group 2 (5–15 MToE): Andhra Pradesh secured the top spot, continuing its strong performance from last year. Its focus on renewable energy integration, electric mobility adoption, and agricultural energy efficiency has been widely praised.
Group 3 (1–5 MToE): Assam stood out by accelerating adoption of clean energy policies, including implementation of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017 and promotion of solar-powered pumps.
Group 4 (<1 MToE): Tripura outperformed its peers through targeted municipal energy reforms, efficient water pumping, and early adoption of state-level energy efficiency action plans.
One of the notable findings of SEEI 2024 is the reduction in the number of “Front Runner” states, the top-performing category. Compared to 2023, where seven states featured in this list, this year only five states managed to retain their position. These include:
Andhra Pradesh
Karnataka
Maharashtra
Telangana
Tamil Nadu
Meanwhile, Assam and Kerala were placed in the “Achiever” category, signalling that they are steadily climbing but still have scope for stronger implementation. Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh fell into the “Contender” group, reflecting modest progress but limited large-scale adoption.
The sixth edition of the index, which features 66 performance indicators, places a sharper emphasis on policy implementation and results, not just planning.
Key highlights include:
24 states have notified the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017, ensuring that new constructions adhere to green building norms.
31 states have rolled out electric mobility policies, a move aligned with India’s vision of achieving 30% EV penetration by 2030.
13 states have introduced initiatives to promote solar-powered agricultural pumps, cutting dependence on grid-based electricity and reducing diesel use.
Kerala achieved the highest adoption rate of energy-efficient pumps, covering 74% of agricultural installations, setting a benchmark for other states.
Additionally, all 36 states and UTs have now drafted State Energy Efficiency Action Plans, while 31 states have established State-Level Steering Committees to oversee the transition.
Officials stressed that SEEI is more than a ranking tool; it is a policy instrument to track, compare, and encourage state-level reforms. By spotlighting best practices and gaps, the index aims to accelerate India’s energy security goals while helping states align with nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The report observed that while progress has been strong, challenges remain. Many states face difficulties in funding large-scale efficiency programs, in ensuring behavioral change at consumer level, and in mainstreaming energy-efficient technologies into smaller towns and rural areas.
The release of SEEI 2024 comes at a time when India is under the global spotlight for its climate leadership. Unlike advanced economies that industrialised using fossil fuels, India is attempting a dual transformation: powering rapid economic growth while limiting carbon emissions.
This balancing act has been evident in New Delhi’s assertive policies, whether it is leveraging discounted Russian oil despite Western sanctions, calling out global inconsistencies in climate commitments, or positioning itself as the voice of the Global South in climate negotiations.
The Ministry of Power highlighted that state-level efficiency is critical to India’s larger vision. Without effective implementation at the state level, India’s net-zero by 2070 roadmap would be significantly harder to achieve.
Energy experts welcomed the index, noting that it highlights India’s federal approach to climate action. Satish Kumar, President of AEEE, remarked: “This index is unique because it captures the granularity of implementation at the state level. It creates healthy competition, promotes peer learning, and ensures that efficiency is not seen as a top-down directive but as a shared responsibility.”
Independent analysts also pointed out that India’s commitment to climate justice, ensuring affordable, accessible energy transition for all, would be impossible without focusing on efficiency.
Going forward, the Ministry of Power has indicated that future editions of SEEI will expand to cover new sectors such as green hydrogen adoption, energy storage, and circular economy practices.
States like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are already exploring large-scale investments in green hydrogen hubs, while Northeastern states such as Assam and Tripura are expected to receive additional central support to integrate clean energy technologies into their local economies.
With the Energy Efficiency Financing Platform being strengthened, the government hopes to mobilize both public and private investment into state-level projects.
The State Energy Efficiency Index 2024 sends a strong signal: India’s climate ambition is not confined to central policy but is rooted in state-level action and accountability. The top-performing states, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Tripura, not only highlight regional diversity but also demonstrate that energy efficiency is achievable across varying levels of consumption and development.
As India marches towards net-zero by 2070, SEEI will remain a crucial tool to guide, monitor, and accelerate this transformation, ensuring that clean growth becomes the backbone of the country’s development story.
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