NATIONAL TEST HOUSE (NTH)

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2051451

Context:

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Test House (NTH), Department of Consumer Affairs and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power.

Key Highlights of the MoU

• The core objective of the MoU is to strengthen the Standards & Labelling (S&L) Program to promote energy efficiency across India.

• The Standards and Labelling Program was launched in 2006.
• It sets energy performance criteria for appliances and equipment.
• For example, the star rating system for appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners helps consumers make informed decisions about energy use. 

• Higher star ratings indicate more efficient products that consume less energy.

• BEE recognizes NTH as a referral laboratory. 
  • • Any technical disputes regarding test results can be referred to NTH for consultation. 
• NTH to conduct training for BEE officers at their regional laboratories and headquarters in Delhi. 

About National Test House (NTH)

• It is a scientific institution established in 1912 under the Railway Board in Alipore, Kolkata.
• It operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
• It plays a critical role in the development of indigenous industries.
• It serves as a link between industrial research and the manufacture of finished products under strict quality control.
• It assists industries in developing indigenous products for export promotion and import substitution. 
• It assists the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in formulating National Standards.
• It provides training to scientists, technologists, and technicians in various technology areas, including chemical, civil engineering, electrical engineering, etc. 

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

• It was established in 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act 2001.

• • • The key objective is to promote energy efficiency and conservation. 
    • It operates under the Ministry of Power

• It implements the Standards and Labeling (S&L) Program. 

• It conducts energy audits and promotes energy efficiency projects across India. 
  • • It helps to identify opportunities for energy savings and recommend measures to improve efficiency. 
• It provides training and capacity-building programs for professionals.
• It plays a critical role in formulating and implementing energy efficiency policies. 

Must Read Articles: 

BUREAU OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Source: 

PIB

Wikipedia

Department of Consumer Affairs

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements: 1. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established under the Ministry of Power to promote energy efficiency and conservation. 2. The Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme provides financial support for the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in industries. 3. The Standards & Labelling Program aims to provide consumers with information on the energy efficiency of various appliances. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) All four Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established by the Ministry of Power under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, with the mandate of promoting energy efficiency and conservation in various sectors by setting standards, facilitating project implementation, and raising awareness. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme is a market-based initiative under BEE that aims to improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries. It sets energy consumption reduction targets and provides tradable Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) based on performance. The scheme creates a market for trading these certificates, incentivizing industries to enhance energy efficiency. Statement 3 is correct: BEE's Standards & Labelling Program is an important initiative aimed at educating consumers about the energy efficiency of appliances by setting efficiency standards and labelling them, thereby promoting the use of energy-efficient products.