The Gujarat government has launched a comprehensive statewide energy conservation campaign covering all government and semi-government offices, public sector boards, corporations, and public buildings, making it mandatory to set air conditioners at a default temperature of 24 degrees Celsius and requiring every department to submit an energy efficiency action plan within 45 days. The initiative, announced from Gandhinagar, is being implemented under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Rushikesh Patel.

Key Directives Issued

The campaign has been jointly rolled out by the state's Energy and Petrochemicals Department and the Roads and Buildings Department. In line with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) notification, all government offices must fix AC default temperatures at 24°C. All lights, fans, air conditioners, and computer systems must be switched off after office hours, on weekends, and on public holidays.

Heads of offices have been directed to ensure that electrical equipment in cabins of officers on leave or on field duty is also switched off through daily monitoring. Every major department will appoint a dedicated nodal officer to oversee implementation.

Automation and Infrastructure Upgrades

To curb electricity wastage from manual operation, occupancy sensors and timer-based automation control systems will be installed in office corridors, meeting rooms, parking areas, and toilets. Water coolers will be switched off after 6 p.m. and restarted only after 9 a.m.

All conventional lighting in government buildings will be progressively replaced with energy-efficient LED lights, and future procurement will prioritise only 5-star rated electrical equipment. Departments have also been advised to maximise natural daylight during office hours to reduce dependence on artificial lighting.

Street Lighting and Solar Push

Municipal corporations and municipalities will synchronise street lighting operated through the Centralised Control Monitoring System (CCMS) with astronomical timings of sunrise and sunset — a move expected to save approximately 60 minutes of electricity consumption every day. On a pilot basis, alternate street lights will also be switched off between midnight and 4 a.m. during periods of low traffic.

Government offices with suitable open spaces have been directed to plan solar power installations. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) will inspect existing solar systems on government buildings and ensure non-functional units are restored to full operational capacity.

Compliance and Recognition

All departments must submit an 'Office Energy Efficiency Action Plan' to GEDA within 45 days. Departments will also be required to submit quarterly energy consumption reports and undergo mandatory annual energy audits by third-party auditors. Offices that demonstrate outstanding performance in electricity conservation will be formally recognised under the initiative.

The campaign aims to promote energy efficiency, sustainable development, cost-effectiveness, and greater use of renewable energy across the public sector, without compromising operational efficiency. With Gujarat already among India's leading states in renewable energy capacity, this drive signals a sharper institutional push toward embedding conservation into everyday government functioning.