The Central Government, in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), has announced amendments to the star rating bands for Hard Top type Chest Freezers and Glass Top type Chest Freezers. These revisions, made under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, were published on April 9, 2025. They will be applicable for the period from July 1, 2023 until December 31, 2025.
The amendments specifically alter Table 3.1 and Table 3.2 of the notification dated February 2, 2023. These tables outline the Annual Energy Consumption for the star rating bands for Hard Top type Chest Freezers and Glass Top type Chest Freezers. The new tables, which replace the previous ones, establishes the following Annual Energy Consumption (AEC) limits for each star rating at 38°C:
A. Star Rating Band for Hard Top type Chest Freezers
| Star Rating Band | Annual Energy Consumption (Et) in kWh/year at 38°C |
|---|---|
| 1 Star ★ | 4.23×V + 126.65 < AEC ≤ 5.07×V + 151.98 |
| 2 Star ★★ | 3.52×V + 105.54 < AEC < 4.23×V + 126.65 |
| 3 Star ★★★ | 2.82×V + 84.43 < AEC < 3.52×V + 105.54 |
| 4 Star ★★★★ | 2.25×V + 67.55 < AEC < 2.82×V + 84.43 |
| 5 Star ★★★★★ | AEC ≤ 2.25×V + 67.55 |
(Note: ‘V’ represents the volume of the chest freezer.)
B. Star Rating Band for Glass Top type Chest Freezers
| Star Rating Band | Annual Energy Consumption (Et) in kWh/year at 38°C |
|---|---|
| 1 Star ★ | 7.68×V + 511.17 < AEC ≤ 9.21×V + 613.40 |
| 2 Star ★★ | 6.40×V + 425.97 < AEC ≤ 7.68×V + 511.17 |
| 3 Star ★★★ | 5.12×V + 340.78 < AEC ≤ 6.40×V + 425.97 |
| 4 Star ★★★★ | 4.09×V + 272.62 < AEC ≤ 5.12×V + 340.78 |
| 5 Star ★★★★★ | AEC ≤ 4.09×V + 272.62 |
The revision of the star rating bands aims to:
- Update energy efficiency standards to reflect advancements in technology.
- Promote the adoption of more energy-efficient chest freezers.
- Reduce overall energy consumption in the refrigeration sector.
- Provide consumers with clearer and more accurate information about the energy efficiency of chest freezers.
Manufacturers of Hard Top type Chest Freezers will need to adhere to the revised star rating bands to ensure compliance with the BEE’s energy efficiency standards.
