National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) and India’s eCooking Transition
We are delighted to invite you to the 8th session of the Talk Series – Phase III on “National Efficient Cooking Programme
(NECP)”. The session would be conducted in virtual mode and is being organized by the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Programme, through its In-country partner – India, Finovista with the aims to identify, discuss and explore avenues to address the specific challenges in the transition to clean cooking.
Besides being environment friendly, Electric cooking offers numerous other benefits, including technological advancements like faster cooking times, precise temperature control, and enhanced safety features as a result of advanced technological features. However, the transition to electric cooking in India is slow despite these promising advantages, and laden with challenges. Challenges like inconsistent electricity supply, steep initial expenses, behavioural barriers, and compatibility issues with entrenched cooking customs impede mass acceptance. In rural regions, where access to modern electric appliances is limited, the shift from traditional cooking methods is particularly challenging, given their deep-rooted cultural significance. Moreover, concerns about the strain on the electric supply grid and perceptions surrounding cooking methods further complicate the adoption process. Addressing these multifaceted challenges effectively while leveraging the advantages of electric cooking is crucial for realizing its acceptance in India.
The National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP), spearheaded by Energy Efficient Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power, is aimed at revolutionizing cooking practices by facilitating the adoption of electric cooking devices in India. By distributing 20 Lakh energy-efficient induction cook stoves nationwide, NECP seeks to address key challenges such as high initial costs and limited access to modern appliances, hindering the transition to electric cooking. The cost advantage of 25-30% under the programme over traditional methods is expected to make electric cooking more accessible and appealing to households, particularly in rural areas. Moreover, NECP aligns with Go-electric campaign, providing further impetus for the adoption of energy efficient and modern energy based clean cooking devices. Through these efforts, NECP will not only transform cooking practices but will also contribute to achieving sustainable goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the environmental impact of traditional cooking methods.
MECS Programme is a UK Aid (FCDO) funded global research programme led by Loughborough University and the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). MECS is implementing a strategy focused on including the cooking needs of households in the investment and action on ‘access to affordable, reliable, sustainable modern energy for all’. The programme is also supporting India to emerge as a Global Hub for manufacturing clean cooking devices for domestic and international markets, aligned to the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India mission and also with the objectives of the GoElectric and LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign launched by the Government of India.
The Talk Series, now in Phase III has evolved into an important global platform for diverse stakeholders for a dialogue and debate on diverse issues concerning adoption of modern energy for cooking. It has been successful in bringing several stakeholders from the clean cooking domain and related sectors to a common platform and engages in discussion on the challenges, emerging opportunities, and policy support needed for developing ecosystem of the Modern Energy-based Clean Cooking Sector in India. The Talk series is thoughtfully structured in phases, with each phase consisting of 12 sessions. After successful completion of Phase I and II Talk Series which comprised of 24 sessions altogether, the Phase III of the Talk Series has been launched and this session is 8th in the Phase III series.