The Bureau of Energy Efficiency is pushing commercial electric cooking as an energy-efficient alternative to LPG amid global energy uncertainty and rising fuel costs. It has also invited companies to join a new vendor directory for commercial e-cooking solutions.
Highlights
- BEE showcases commercial induction cooking solutions in New Delhi
- Rising LPG prices strengthen the case for switching to electric cooking
- Hotels, restaurants, hospitals and canteens among key target users
- BEE launches registration for commercial electric cooking vendor directory
India is stepping up efforts to shift commercial kitchens from LPG to electricity as rising cooking gas prices and global energy uncertainty put greater focus on energy security.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, showcased commercial electric cooking technologies at an event in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, manufacturers, chefs, hoteliers, technology providers and commercial kitchen operators.
The “Commercial Induction Cooking Showcase & Chef Challenge” focused on taking electric cooking beyond technology demonstrations and encouraging its adoption in hotels, restaurants, canteens, hospitals and other institutional kitchens.
Rising LPG Prices Put Focus on E-Cooking
Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal said energy security is a major driver behind India’s transition towards electric cooking. With ongoing global conflicts and rising LPG prices, shifting to e-cooking has become both a strategic and operational choice, he said.
Agarwal pointed to initiatives such as the SAUBHAGYA electricity scheme and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as part of the broader infrastructure supporting the transition to electricity-based cooking.
However, wider adoption still faces challenges. These include consumer and chef preferences, perceptions about the taste of food prepared on induction systems and gaps in local distribution infrastructure.
According to Agarwal, creating greater awareness could be one of the quickest ways to boost demand for electric cooking appliances.
New Vendor Directory for Businesses
BEE Director General Krushna Chandra Panigrahy said electric cooking 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 suppliers of commercial electric cooking solutions.
BEE is also working with the Bureau of Indian Standards to develop a Standards & Labeling framework for commercial induction hobs.
Chefs Test Induction Cooking
Seven manufacturers showcased commercial e-cooking appliances and technologies at the event. A Commercial Induction Chef Challenge was also organised, with three chefs preparing dishes using induction cooktops.
The demonstration highlighted factors such as cooking performance, heat control, cooking time and ease of use.
BEE said its broader objective is to create a mature commercial electric cooking ecosystem rather than limiting adoption to individual demonstration projects. The government wants users to gain confidence in the technology while giving manufacturers a better understanding of market requirements and policymakers more evidence to support large-scale adoption
