Hyderabad, October 8, 2026: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) organised a conference on “Cost Optimisation & Future Energy Technologies for MSMEs” at FTCCI Surana Auditorium, Federation House, Hyderabad, bringing together industry leaders, MSME entrepreneurs, policymakers, financial institutions and energy experts to discuss energy cost reduction and future-ready solutions for MSMEs.
The conference was organised by FTCCI, with SIDBI and RICH – Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad as supporting partners and Kehansri Solar as Associate Partner.
Shri K. K. Maheshwari, President, FTCCI, said MSME competitiveness is increasingly dependent on the ability to produce efficiently, manage costs, use resources wisely and adapt to a rapidly changing business environment.
“Energy is an important component of this equation. Rising energy costs, increasing sustainability expectations, changing technologies and the growing importance of environmental responsibility are creating both challenges and opportunities for MSMEs,” he said.
He emphasised the role of industry associations in connecting policy, finance, technology and industry requirements, saying FTCCI’s objective is to facilitate meaningful interaction between MSMEs and institutions supporting their transition.
Shri Sushil Kumar Sancheti, Chair, Energy Committee, FTCCI, said MSMEs contribute around 30% of GDP and 48% of exports and are major employment generators, but there is considerable scope to improve their efficiency and productivity.
“One major area that can help improve productivity is implementing energy-efficiency and energy-saving measures. Many initiatives have been taken and technology is available, but the adoption rate is low among MSMEs,” he said.
He stressed that greater reliance on renewable energy and the deployment of innovative energy-efficient devices at affordable costs could help MSMEs reduce their energy expenditure and dependence on costly grid power.
With MSMEs often operating on thin profit margins of 5–10%, Shri Sancheti said energy efficiency could directly contribute to improving profitability. However, he noted that awareness, affordability and attractive payback periods remain important factors in encouraging adoption.
The conference featured sessions on “Energy Audit & Cost Reduction Strategies for MSMEs” by Shri Vinod Kumar, Deputy Director, National Productivity Council (NPC), Government of India; “Financing Energy Efficiency & Sustainable Growth – SIDBI Support for MSMEs” by Ms. Sudha Bandaru¬palli, Assistant General Manager, SIDBI, Jeedimetla Branch Office; and “Future Energy Technologies, Renewable Energy & Smart Energy Management” by Shri Tarun Dixit, Managing Director, Kehansri Technologies and Services Pvt. Ltd.
The RAMP – Greening of MSME Initiative session featured an Innovation Showcase by Shri Srinivas Cherla, Director, RICH, industry case studies and best practices by Shri Vijay Mohan, CII-GBC, advanced water and wastewater management systems by Shri Rahul PC, CII-GBC, and environmental regulations and compliance by Shri Syed Ateeq, CII-GBC.
Shri Srinivas Garimella, Sr. Vice President, FTCCI, and Shri Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Vice President, FTCCI, were also present.
The conference provided MSMEs with a comprehensive overview of energy audits, cost optimisation, green financing, renewable energy technologies, smart energy management and government support, highlighting energy transition as an important opportunity for improving MSME competitiveness.