UJALA scheme

Recently, UJALA scheme was launched by the Government of India. “Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for ALL “is the wordplay for UJALA.

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Context: Recently, UJALA scheme was launched by the Government of India. “Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for ALL “is the wordplay for UJALA. Earlier, this scheme was announced as “Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP)”.

UJALA scheme replaced the old “Bachat Lamp Yojana”.

Objectives of this Scheme The Scheme was launched as part of Union Government’s efforts to spread the message of energy efficiency in the country so the main objective of this scheme is to reduce the energy consumption with the help of energy efficient bulbs like LEDs. I.e. by replacing the inefficient bulbs like incandescent bulbs, tube lights, CFL bulbs and other less efficient bulbs with the energy efficient bulbs like LEDs, energy can be saved to a large extent. Other objective is to enhance awareness on using efficient equipment which reduce electricity bills and help preserve environment.
What is the difference between Normal bulbs and LEDs? Normal bulbs output is so inefficient the it can convert only 5% of the input into light where as the LED bulbs uses only 1/10th of energy used by Normal bulbs to produce same amount of light or more brighter light than the normal bulbs. LEDs emit very little heat. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat and CFLs release about 80% of their energy as heat. LEDs emit light in a specific direction, reducing the need for reflectors and diffusers that can trap light. This feature makes LEDs more efficient for many uses such as recessed down lights and task lighting.
Targets of the scheme The government’s target is to replace 77 Crore incandescent bulbs in India with LEDs by 2019 leading to an expected reduction in installed load of 20,000 MW with an annual estimated savings of over 10.5 billion KWH, an annual reduction of rupees 40,000 Crore (US$5.9 billion) in electricity bills, Expected reduction of load – 5000 MW and Annual estimated greenhouse gas emission reductions 79 million tones of CO2.

The distribution of LEDs will be in phase manner.  LEDs will be distributed through special counters set up at designated places in the particular city of the state. LEDs will not be available at any other locations like shops or any other normal counters. The location of counters is made available through the awareness drive (leaflets, posters, advertisements etc) to inform the consumers. The eligible consumers can get the LED bulbs by submitting few documents such as previous electricity bill, any Identity proof issued by the government of India and the residential proof.

Companies involved in implementing UJALA The Electricity Distribution Company and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) a public sector body of Government of India are implementing the programme. (Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is promoted by Ministry of Power, Government of India as a Joint Venture company of four Central Power Sector undertakings viz. NTPC Ltd, PFC, REC, and Power Grid. EESL was set up to create and sustain markets for energy efficiency in the country).
1,000 people.
Who are eligible to procure LEDs? Every grid-connected consumer having a metered connection from their respective Electricity Distribution Company can get the LED bulbs at about 40% of the market price under the UJALA Scheme. Consumers also have the option of paying for the LEDs in equated monthly installments. Though there is a limit to procure the LEDs through the UJALA scheme that the consumers can avail from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 10 LED bulbs, depending on the region. Studies indicate that a domestic household on an average has 5-6 lighting points.
Benefits of the programme 1. Consumers can procure the energy efficient bulbs at a cheaper price (40% lesser than the market price).

2. Energy can be saved and the electricity bills too.

3. Green house gas emissions will be reduced.

4. EESL is providing three year warranty on every LED.

5. The implementing agencies provided the toll-free number to register complaints on faulty pieces.

6. No need of providing subsidy by the government as the entire cost in procuring LEDs borne by the EESL and from the saved energy bills this amount will be repaid by the DISCOMs for 5 years through installments.

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