UJALA programme

An ordinary bulb is an extremely energy inefficient form of lighting with just 5% of the electricity input converted to light.  Efficient light bulbs like Light-emitting Diode (LEDs) consumes only one-tenth of energy used by ordinary bulb to provide the same or better light output. However, high cost of LEDs has been a barrier in adoption of such efficient lighting systems. The DELP on-bill financing scheme proposes to overcome this cost barrier. The scheme is being named "UJALA" - an acronym for Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All. The scheme was launched in January 2015.

Under the scheme, 20W LED tube lights and BEE 5-star rated energy efficient fans are also distributed to the consumers. The 20W LED tube lights are 50% more energy efficient than conventional 40W tube lights and are available for Rs. 220/- per tube, as against the market price of Rs. 400-600. The energy efficient fans under the UJALA scheme come with a BEE 5 Star rating. These ceiling fans are rated 30% more energy efficient than conventional fans and are priced at Rs. 1200/- per fan.

Objectives

The main objective is to promote efficient lighting, enhance awareness on using efficient equipment which reduce electricity bills and help preserve environment.

Overall targets

UJALA LED bulbs

• Expected annual energy savings - 105 bn KWh
• Expected reduction of peak load - 20,000 MW
• Annual estimated greenhouse gas emission reductions -  79 million tonnes of CO₂

Implementation agencies

The Electricity Distribution Company and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) a public sector body of Government of India are implementing the programme.

Eligibility of acquiring LED bulbs

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 instalments.

States implemented

The UJALA is under implementation across the country. To know the cities covered and the status of LED bulb distribution, click here.

Procuring LED bulbs

The bulbs will be distributed through special counters set up at designated places in the city. These will not be available at any other location including shops etc. There will be phase wise distribution. The location of counters is made available through the awareness drive (leaflets, posters, advertisements etc) to inform the consumers.

Documents to be submitted to get LED bulbs

• Photo copy of the latest electricity bill
• A copy of photo ID proof
• A copy of residential proof (The address on the residential proof must match the address on the electricity bill.)
• Cash advance in case of on-bill financing (balance amount recovered from the electricity bill) or full amount in case of upfront payment for each LED. In case of upfront payment, address proof is not mandatory.

In case of faulty bulbs/LED bulb fuses

LED bulbs have very long life (> 15 years if used of 4-5 hours every day) and are not likely to fuse. However, if the LED bulb stops working due to a technical defect, EESL will be providing free of cost warranty for all technical faults for three years. And the replacements shall be done through designated retail stores that will be communicated after the distribution ends. During the distribution, replacements can be done through any of the DELP distribution counters that would be operating within the city. Any EESL LED bulb can be replaced with any other company’s EESL LED bulb.

Registering complaints

Complaints can be registered at http://support.eeslindia.org/

Maximum no. of bulbs owned by a household

Through the UJALA scheme 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.

How the model works

• Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) distributes LED bulbs to households at 40 % of market price
• Total upfront investment and risk coverage borne by EESL
• DISCOM pays EESL from actual energy savings over 5 years
• No subsidy required from government
• No impact on electricity tariffs

Source : EESL

Related Resources

1. National UJALA dashboard