“Economic indicator dimension(Eco)” acquires second place among other indicator dimensions. It plays an important part in improving the sustainability of the energy systems. This particular dimension category has five specific indicators. ‘Economic effectiveness (Eco2)’ indicator attains the utmost importance. This implies that the energy policy makers’ need to put directed efforts in the form of cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency in the economy is to combine investments in energy-efficient tech- nologies with the encouragement of good energy management systems [102]. Following this, thereis ‘Payback period(Eco1)’ indicator in the list. The time span required to pay back the energy invested is a critical consideration for evaluating the sustainability of energy systems [103]. Next to this, is ‘Capital and energy levelized cost(Eco4)’ indicator, it shows that Effective planning and control of goals will help to achieve effective utilization of resources in addition to reducing costs of energy generation. ‘Investment opportunities (Eco5)’ indicator is next in terms of priority.Lastly, ‘Savings on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (Eco3)’ indicator is there according to the priority sequence.
“Social indicator dimension (Soc)” acquired the third importance level in the main hierarchy. In the particular dimension, ‘Human health and safety(Soc2) ’ indicator holds the highest priority in this dimension. The emitted NOx SOx, VOC and particulate matter are spoiling human health and harvest losses, and are also responsible for surface ozone and acid rain [25]. For this reason, it is suggested to design healthy facilities and built in a resource-efficient manner using ecologically based principles for energy planning and man- agement systems [104]. Afterwards, ‘Social acceptability for energy planning and management projects (Soc3)’ indicator comes in this dimension. In India, few energy systems like nuclear energy and larger wind turbines face social protest and opposition. Therefore, social acceptability must be considered in the sustainability assess- ment of energy planning and management. ‘Energy security and safety(Soc4)’ indicator comes next according to the rank indicated in the list. Then is ‘Societal equity(Soc1)’ indicator in the list. Lead- time management is important to survive in the market as well as attract new customers. Afterward, ‘Raising employment and living standard (Soc7)’ indicator is there in accordance with the priority. Next to this is ‘Risk analysis and management (Soc6)’. Finally, ‘Cultural heritage protection (Soc5)’ is last in the list.
“Technological dimension(Tec)” occupies fourth place in the main priority list. Thereby, managers are suggested to look the issues associated with technological advancements in improving the energy management system efficiency. This dimension has three specific indicators. ‘Capacity utilization and effectiveness (Tec1)’ indicator is at the top ranking. While, assessing the sustainability of energy planning and management, the ease of use and limitations of every technology must be considered because some technologies may be profoundly resource constraint [20]. Afterwards, ‘Adoption and con- tenuous up gradation of smart technologies (Tec2)’ indicator comes in this dimension. Finally, the ‘Flexibility to incorporate latest technolo - gical advancements (Tec3)’ indicator is at the end in the list. It represents that sustainability of technological systems must be assessed and technologies should be flexible in terms of demand fluctuations.
“Operational indicators dimension (Opr)” hold the last place in priority list. There are five specific indicators within this particular dimension. The ‘Optimal resource allocation and usage(Opr2)’ indi-cator is ranked first. For many emerging economies like India, keeping up with a thriving electricity demand is an enormous investment challenge. Current investment trends present some warning signs for the sufficiency of power supply [105] and managing resources in the term of natural, human and financial resources, capital assets, etc. [27]. ‘Diversification in source of provisioning (Opr3)’ indicator comes next to this. At present, most of the energy generation is from fossil fuels and only 14% of total energy generation from renewable sources. India is very rich in renewable energy sources and many of these resources have a great potential for exploitation in India. These renewable resources may also provide commercially smart options to meet up specific requirements for energy services, especially in rural areas, generate new employment opportunities, and offer opportunities to manufacture most of the equipment locally [83]. The next indicator, i.e. ‘System flexibility to respond demands (Opr1)’ that will help in demand management, and may also increase energy security. Next is, ‘System’s resilience and reliability(Opr4)’ indicator in the priority list. The last place of importance is attained by ‘Reserve/buffer capacity (Opr5)’ indicator.