Pay Less for More: Energy Efficiency Approach to Municipal Water Supply in Indian Cities

Abstract

As more people start living and moving to urban areas, and with improving lifestyles and economic prosperity (urban monthly per capita expenditure of Rs. 2630 was 84\% higher than rural expenditure in 2011-12), the demand for finite resources such as land, water, and fossil fuels will be higher than ever. India is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. Indian municipalities are undercapitalized and their high energy costs are neither feasible nor sustainable. To bring down the energy cost, the water sector in urban areas needs interventions in both demand and supply sides, and at individual and institutional levels. This paper focuses on various energy efficiency measures to reduce energy costs for water supply at the municipal level in India and calculates the magnitude of these cost savings and reduction in emissions for 10 of the 53 large Indian cities with population more than a million in 2011. Showcasing these energy cost savings and GHG reduction findings, this research argues for widespread adoption of energy efficiency measures as it brings multiple benefits.