Punjab Bags National Energy Conservation Award 2025, Reflecting CM Mann’s Visionary Leadership

Punjab’s sustained efforts in energy conservation and renewable power have earned national recognition. President Droupadi Murmu on Monday presented the prestigious State Performance Award – Group 3 to the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) at the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025. The honour underscores the foresighted policies and public-oriented governance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The award ceremony was attended by senior officials from across the country, including Union Energy Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Punjab Energy Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO dedicated the achievement to the people of the state and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating that the recognition was the outcome of the Aam Aadmi Party government’s welfare-driven approach. He said the Mann government has implemented several key reforms to enhance transparency in the power sector, curb electricity theft, and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. The award was received on behalf of PEDA by its Director General at a grand function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking a moment of pride for Punjab.

Expressing happiness over the honour, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the award reflected the hard work of Punjab’s people and the dedication of the PEDA team. He reiterated that his government’s objective is to make Punjab self-reliant in the energy sector and establish it as a model of sustainable development. Over the past three years, the government has aggressively promoted solar energy projects and introduced special schemes to provide solar pumps to farmers. Significant measures have also been taken to improve power quality and eliminate load shedding.

PEDA has undertaken several awareness campaigns across the state to promote energy conservation and renewable energy. These initiatives include energy audits in schools, colleges, and government buildings, large-scale distribution of LED bulbs, and expansion of rooftop solar schemes. Alongside providing up to 300 units of free electricity to domestic consumers, the government has also made industrial power tariffs competitive. Experts believe these policies have strengthened Punjab’s investment climate and generated new employment opportunities.

According to PEDA officials, Punjab has witnessed substantial growth in solar energy generation over the past three years. Thousands of megawatts of solar capacity have already been installed, with plans for further expansion in the near future. The replacement of diesel pumps with solar pumps for farmers has not only reduced input costs but also contributed to environmental protection. Simultaneously, transformers and power distribution networks have been upgraded to improve electricity supply in rural areas. These initiatives align with the Chief Minister’s ‘Rangla Punjab’ vision.

The national recognition has elevated Punjab’s standing on the country’s energy map. Several states are now considering adopting Punjab’s energy model. The central government has also appreciated the state’s efforts and assured priority support under central schemes. Energy experts believe that if the current momentum continues, Punjab could emerge as India’s first carbon-neutral state. The achievement serves as an inspiration not only for Punjab but for the entire nation.

Leaders and workers of the Aam Aadmi Party termed the award historic and congratulated Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Party national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the recognition reaffirmed that honest governments working in the public interest are ultimately rewarded. On social media, residents of Punjab welcomed the news, praising the government and expressing optimism that the state is finally moving in the right direction.

The Punjab government has also announced plans to introduce further reforms in the energy sector in the coming period. These include the rollout of smart meters, digitisation of power distribution, and development of green energy corridors. The Chief Minister said his goal is to ensure round-the-clock quality power supply to every household while maintaining complete transparency in billing. A dedicated budget has been allocated for this purpose, and inter-departmental coordination has been strengthened. Citizens have also been urged to adopt energy-saving practices and avail themselves of government schemes.

This award is not merely an honour but a defining milestone for Punjab’s future. The commitment of the Mann government and the sustained efforts of PEDA have demonstrated that sound policies and honest administration can propel the state to new heights. Punjab is steadily emerging as a national role model in the energy sector, and this journey, the Chief Minister affirmed, will continue with unwavering dedication to public service.