New Delhi The government is devising a scheme where old ACs and refrigerators can be replaced with energy efficient equipment, at a lesser cost. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency ( BEE), under the aegis of the Power Ministry, has proposed that power distribution companies offer electrical equipment that consume less energy. Customers can exchange their old electrical gear with brand new ones and the price difference can be paid through monthly instalments to these firms. Ajay Mathur, Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency said, " In order to promote electricity conservation we are promoting various schemes and are working on 'utility demand side management'." " One of the proposals is that these discoms can ask customers to replace their old refrigerators and air- conditioners for star- rating or energy efficient products and can reclaim the money from customers in 12 months," Mathur said. Both, customers as well as the discoms would benefit from this. Discoms would buy equipment in bulk, so prices may be lower compared to open market, which would benefit consumers. And since these durables would consume less electricity, it would lead to lesser burden on discoms during peak hours. He added that companies that are currently manufacturing cheap products would be encouraged to make energy efficient products. However, the proposal is at a preliminary stage and would take definite shape only later. BEE is the nodal agency for energy conservation in the country. It is working towards greater energy savings in the 12th plan period.