A new expert committee report released by India's Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) outlines a roadmap for creating a more comprehensive national energy statistics database. The report identifies critical data gaps in areas such as biofuels, electric vehicle (EV) electricity consumption, captive and off-grid power, and industry-wise energy use, and recommends new methodologies to harmonize data across ministries.
Key Data Gaps Identified
The existing energy statistics framework has several shortcomings that limit a complete assessment of India's energy landscape. The report highlights non-capturing of end-use consumption of imported coal, industry-wise consumption break-up of electricity, demand-side statistics, generation and consumption of electricity via off-grid modes (like rooftop solar and street lighting), electricity used for EV charging, and a lack of systematic sub-national level energy statistics. These gaps prompted the formation of the expert committee.
Recommendations for Biofuels and EVs
On biofuels, the committee recommended that the entire data on biofuel should be captured systematically using the proposed methodology. It also urged MoSPI to include biofuels in the Energy Balance and Energy Account tables of India while preparing the national energy profile.
For electric vehicles, the report noted the need to systematically estimate and disseminate electricity consumption by EVs, aligning with India's international commitments such as the EV30@30 vision. The proposed methodology should be refined for more accurate statistics and effective policy intervention.
Off-Grid and Demand-Side Data
The report recommended developing a framework to estimate off-grid electricity consumption, using methodologies prepared by Prayas and TERI as a first-cut for refinement by line energy ministries.
To better understand energy demand, the committee emphasized the importance of a structured demand-side database. Currently, no dedicated survey or mechanism exists to track specific demand for energy resources like electricity, LPG, or coal at the household or individual consumer level. The framework developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) should be developed and detailed for effective implementation.
Single Integrated Energy Statistics Database
The committee proposed a Single Integrated Energy Statistics Database jointly reconciled by MoSPI and BEE to improve data quality and support policymaking. It also recommended improving sector-wise tracking of coal and electricity consumption, including better estimation of imported coal use, industry-wise electricity consumption, and captive power generation, along with common methodologies and reporting standards across energy ministries.
