Orient Electric Limited, part of the diversified $2.4 billion CK Birla Group, has launched its new i-Series range of ceiling fans that promises to save 50 per cent in energy consumption and a subsequent reduction in electricity bills ahead of the roll out of  new energy labelling norms from July this year. With this launch, Orient aims to increase its market share in the premium fan segment. “The range is in line with the government’s push for energy conservation as well as the climate emergency and rise of environmentally conscious consumerism,” said Rakesh Khanna, managing director and chief executive officer of Orient Electric Limited. The new range of inverter motor-based fans includes models like the i-Floral, Hector 500 and the new, IoT-enabled and voice-controlled i-Float model. The entire range will be available in several colours and designs.


The fans are also BEE 5-star rated. In 2019, the Centre had ramped up minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for ceiling fans with existing 5-star rated fans becoming 1-star.  Khanna pointed out that traditional induction-motor based fans consume 70-75W of electricity, while Orient i-Series fans consume only 35W. “With a modest assumption, if all fans installed in India are replaced with i-Series fans, it will help the nation save 10.4 crore MWh of energy annually with cost savings of approximately `Rs 67,780 crore. If the new ceiling fans sold also come with inverter motors, the savings will be bigger and incremental. This new range is a conscious effort from our side aimed at helping India to save energy and reduce carbon footprint,” Atul Jain, Executive Vice President, said. 

The new i-Float fan is part of the Orient i-Series range of premium inverter fans launched by the company last year. It delivers an astounding 230 CMM of air delivery, consumes 50% less energy as compared to ordinary fans, and operates silently and efficiently even at low and fluctuating voltages. The fan is IoT-enabled and can be operated with utmost ease via Orient Smart mobile app or with voice commands via Alexa and Google Assistant. The fan also comes with a remote control. Pricing for i-Float fan, which is available in four distinct finishes, starts at Rs. 4700. Orient i-Series fans are BEE 5-star rated and have 50% better service value than the ordinary fans

While traditional induction-motor based fans consume 70-75W of electricity, Orient i-Series fans consume only 32W thus reducing power consumption by more than half. With a modest assumption, if all fans installed in India are replaced with i-Series fans, it will help the nation save 1.12 lakh GWh of energy annually with cost saving of approx. Rs. 72,864 crore and a significant reduction in carbon footprint. If the new ceiling fans sold also come with inverter motor, it will help further India save approx. 7530 GWh energy per year. Orient Electric manufactures 10 million units per annum at its Faridabad and Kolkata plants.