The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the report of the Expert Committee on Energy Statistics, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to improve the accuracy, consistency, and international comparability of India’s energy data. The committee has recommended adopting globally recognized standards, harmonizing data collection methodologies, and addressing critical gaps in the country’s energy statistics database. These measures are expected to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and support India’s transition toward renewable energy and its long-term Net Zero goals.
Expert Committee Reviews India’s Energy Data Framework
The committee, chaired by Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, included senior representatives from key energy ministries and experts from organizations such as The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE). As part of its mandate, the panel conducted a detailed review of the Energy Statistics India publication and assessed the country’s overall energy database. According to MoSPI, the objective was to create a more reliable statistical framework that can effectively monitor India’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Committee Calls for International Data Standards
One of the committee’s key recommendations is the adoption of internationally accepted standards for collecting and publishing energy statistics. It has proposed aligning data classification with the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) Rev. 5, the National Industrial Classification (NIC)-2025, and the Standard International Energy-Product Classification (SIEC). Such alignment will improve consistency while making India’s energy data comparable with global datasets.
In addition, the committee has recommended that all line energy ministries adopt uniform energy conversion factors. It suggested using the standardized conversion factors already maintained by MoSPI in its annual Energy Statistics India publication to ensure consistency across government agencies.
Recommendations to Bridge Critical Data Gaps
The report identifies several areas where India’s energy statistics require significant improvement. To better estimate industrial coal consumption, the committee has proposed using data from the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI). This methodology would help accurately classify the end-use of imported coal, which accounts for nearly 20% of India’s total coal consumption, as well as domestically auctioned coal that is currently grouped under miscellaneous categories.
Similarly, the committee has recommended that the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) develop and maintain a comprehensive database under the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme. It also proposed applying an ASI-based methodology to generate more accurate industry-wise electricity consumption data.
Improving Biofuel and Emerging Energy Data
The committee also highlighted the absence of consolidated national data on biofuel consumption. Currently, the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD) estimates that biofuels contribute approximately 31–34% of India’s annual energy consumption in its World Energy Balance publication. To improve domestic reporting, the committee has recommended developing a dedicated methodology in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and TERI for incorporating biofuel consumption into India’s national energy balance.
The report proposes preliminary methodologies to capture electricity consumption from captive power plants, off-grid energy systems, and electric vehicles (EVs). However, it notes that these methodologies will require further validation and refinement before they can be officially integrated into the national energy database.
Addressing Methodological Inconsistencies
Besides filling data gaps, the committee has also identified inconsistencies in the way different government agencies calculate key energy indicators. For instance, it observed conceptual differences between the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and MoSPI in calculating per capita electricity consumption. To improve transparency, the committee has recommended that both organizations clearly explain their respective methodologies whenever they publish these figures.
Likewise, the report highlighted differences between the CEA, the Ministry of Power (MoP), and MoSPI regarding the calculation of the average calorific value of coal used by thermal power plants. To standardize reporting, the committee has recommended that the CEA and the Ministry of Power adopt MoSPI’s methodology, which measures the gross calorific value (GCV) of coal at the loading or dispatch point.
Building a More Reliable Energy Statistics System
MoSPI emphasized that implementing the committee’s recommendations will require close coordination among various ministries, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. By adopting international standards, standardizing methodologies, and improving data quality, India can build a more integrated, transparent, and globally comparable energy statistics framework. As reported by knnindia.co.in, such reforms will play a crucial role in supporting evidence-based policymaking, monitoring renewable energy progress, and guiding the country’s transition toward a low-carbon and sustainable energy future.
