The scheme is being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power. As a token, LED bulbs were distributed to 6 persons at the programme.
While addressing the gathering , Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that with the launching of UJALA scheme in Madhya Pradesh, energy revolution has begun and will transform the State. By year 2019, 77 crore old bulbs will be replaced by LED bulbs due to which people would save Rs.40,000 crore. Department has developed a mobile app which gives country, state and city-wise information about LED bulbs installed so far. He urged to make Madhya Pradesh the first state to provide LED bulbs in every household. In just 2 years, renewable energy generation capacity in the state has been increased from 800 MW to 3000 MW.
In the State, 3 crore LED Bulbs will be distributed in the next 6 months under the Scheme . People of Madhya Pradesh will get energy efficient 9W LED bulbs at an upfront payment of just Rs. 85 per LED bulb, Goyal added. The Minister further stated that within just one year, 9 crore bulbs have been distributed under UJALA Scheme, which helped consumers to save Rs.5500 crore every year. UJALA will not only help reduce consumers their electricity bills but also contribute to the energy security of India. The UJALA scheme is being monitored in a transparent manner through a national dashboard (www.delp.in).
In his address, MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hoped that UJALA scheme will bring UJALA (light) in the lives of everyone. He said that usage of LED bulbs will not only result in reducing electricity bills but also help in environment protection. It would lead to saving by both consumers and Energy Department.
The Chief Minister appealed to people to replace old bulbs with LED bulbs under Ujala Yojana. The scheme is for benefit of all. He said that 20 thousand MW power will be generated in Madhya Pradesh by year 2018. For poor women, Central government is launching Ujjwala Yojana under which free gas stove and LPG cylinder will be given to poor women.
Madhya Pradesh Energy and Public Relations Minister Rajendra Shukla said that energy generation is as important as its conservation. Under the scheme, 3 crore LED bulbs will be distributed in the state. It would save Rs.2,500 crore. Power is being supplied 24X7 in the state. Chairman of State Energy Development Corporation Vijendra Singh Sisodiya delivered the welcome address.
Meanwhile, the distribution of LED bulbs will happen through DISCOM offices, DISCOM bill collection centres, designated EESL kiosks, Weekly haat markets, etc. Consumers can buy these affordable LEDs by presenting any identity card. These bulbs come with a three year free replacement warranty in case of any technical defects. The luminosity of the 9W LED bulbs to be distributed in MP is of 900 lumens, which is the highest in the country. Each 9W LED bulb gives the same luminosity as compared to a 100W incandescent lamp, while consuming less than one tenth of power.
‘UJALA’:Status Update:
As of now, EESL has distributed over 10 crore LED bulbs under UJALA programme and this has led to significant savings to the country and consumers who are using these bulbs.
Under India’s commitment to achieving 30-35 per cent reduced carbon emissions, the country has recognized energy efficiency as a key mitigation strategy. Therefore, the government is committed to executing schemes like UJALA. State governments are voluntarily adopting this scheme and the scheme is already present in over 13 states. EESL would be starting distribution in more states within a month.
The UJALA scheme has played a significant role in creating awareness about energy efficient lighting. In 2014-15, the total number of LED bulbs that were distributed was mere 30 lakhs. The number of LED bulbs distributed in 2015-16 has crossed 15 crore, where 9 crore LED bulbs were distributed under UJALA and the remaining were contributed by the industry. For this year, the Government of India is confident of distributing an additional 20 crore LED bulbs.
Efficient domestic lighting is one of the largest contributors to energy savings globally and the distribution of 10 crore LED bulbs in India has led to savings of over 1,298 crore kWh annually. This number has also helped the country avoid capacity of about 2,600 MW. Most importantly, the country has benefitted from reduction of CO2 emission by over 1 crore tonnes annually.
LED bulbs consume half the energy as that of CFLs and one tenth as that of incandescent bulbs. UJALA is the largest non-subsidized LED programme in the world. The programme has led to significant savings to the consumers who are using these bulbs. (pervezbari@yahoo.co.in)