BEE Showcases Commercial Electric Cooking Solutions to Accelerate India’s Shift from LPG

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, has showcased commercial electric cooking technologies in New Delhi as part of efforts to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient e-cooking in commercial and institutional kitchens.

The 'Commercial Induction Cooking Showcase & Chef Challenge', held under the theme 'Accelerating India’s Electric Cooking Ambition: From Technology Demonstration to Real-World Adoption', brought together policymakers, public sector enterprises, manufacturers, technology providers, chefs, hoteliers and commercial kitchen operators.

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, who was the chief guest, inaugurated an exhibition featuring commercial electric cooking appliances and technologies from seven manufacturers. BEE Director General Krushna Chandra Panigrahy delivered the keynote address, while CLASP Director Neha Dhingra delivered the welcome address.

Agarwal said that energy security is a key driver behind India’s transition towards electric cooking. He pointed to the impact of global conflicts and rising LPG prices, saying the shift to e-cooking represents both a strategic and operational choice.

He said the existing electricity-access base created through schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana provides a foundation for promoting electric cooking appliances, particularly in the residential sector.

However, he noted that wider adoption continues to face behavioural and infrastructure-related barriers. These include concerns among chefs and consumers regarding the taste of food cooked using induction technology, as well as gaps in local electricity distribution capacity.

According to Agarwal, awareness creation could be the fastest lever to increase demand and support the mainstream adoption of electric cooking across the country.

Panigrahy said that India’s energy transition is not limited to shifting towards cleaner energy sources but also requires more efficient energy use. He highlighted electric cooking as a solution that combines energy efficiency, energy security, convenience and sustainability.

BEE has invited manufacturers, distributors, system integrators and solution providers to register for its Go Electric Commercial Electric Cooking Vendor Directory. The public platform is intended to help hotels, restaurants, canteens, hospitals and other institutions identify credible commercial electric cooking solution providers.

BEE is also working with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to develop a Standards and Labelling framework for commercial induction hobs, Panigrahy said.

He added that BEE aims to move beyond individual demonstration projects and establish a mature commercial e-cooking ecosystem, with users gaining confidence in the technology, manufacturers understanding market requirements and policymakers having evidence to support wider deployment.

The inaugural session was followed by a Commercial Induction Chef Challenge, during which three chefs prepared dishes using induction cooktops. Participants were able to observe the technology’s cooking performance, ease of use, heat control and cooking time.

The event concluded with BEE reiterating its commitment to working with the Ministry of Power, CLASP, manufacturers, industry associations, PSUs and commercial kitchen operators to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient electric cooking across India.

The initiative is aimed at supporting the transition of commercial kitchens from technology demonstrations towards real-world adoption, in line with the government’s broader vision of a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat.