This article deals with the UJALA scheme : its objectives,targets , benefits at local as well as global level.
Table Of Content
UJALA Scheme
“You can escape the responsibilities of tomorrow by evading it tomorrow”
– Abrahim Lincon
SAVE ENERGY, SAVE EARTH
INTRODUCTION:
Energy conservation is the foundation of energy independency. All of these energy savings ultimately means better services to our residents that have fixed incomes. Every penny we save in energy costs will go directly in protecting the planet and making it more livable. With the aim to promote efficient lighting and conserve the resources, money and environment by reducing 19,000 tonnes carbon emissions per year , on 1st May 2015, National LED programme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2015,to become the largest LED distribution program in the world ,replacing the “Bachat Lamp Yojana”. It was renamed UJALA in March 2016. The UJALA scheme is being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Union Ministry of Power.This opened doors for boosting the entire market and worked in tandem with the larger aim of cutting emissions significantly.
ABOUT THE SCHEME:
OBJECTIVE:
The main objective of scheme is to
- promote efficient lighting,
- enhance awareness on using efficient equipment which reduce electricity bills and preserve environment.
It is LED based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP). Under it, LED Bulbs are distributed.Its purpose is not only to help reduce electricity bills of consumers but also contribute to energy security of India. LED bulbs have a very long life, almost 50 times more than ordinary bulbs, and 8-10 times that of CFLs, and therefore provide both energy and cost savings.
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.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LED AND OTHER BULBS:
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.LED bulbs have a very long life, almost 50 times more than ordinary bulbs. They are 8-10 times that of CFLs, therefore provide both energy and cost savings in medium term.
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.
Under the scheme, we also distribute 20W LED tube lights and BEE 5-star rated energy efficient fans to the consumers. We are distributing 20W LED tube lights that 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. We have also revolutionized the fan market in India by providing energy efficient fans under the UJALA scheme that 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.
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.
ELIGIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMERS:
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.
For enjoying the benefits of this scheme,the consumers need to visit the UJALA dashboard.
Click here to visit UJALA dashboard
BODIES INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHEME:
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).
The scheme has been implemented in more than 12 states. LED bulbs are distributed through special counters set up at designated places. These bulbs are not available in ordinary shops.
UJALA scheme is not a subsidy scheme. In this scheme, the total upfront investment and risk coverage is borne by EESL. The DISCOM pay EESL from actual energy savings over 5 years. Thus there is not subsidy required from government and there is no impact on electricity bills
The International Energy Agency (IAE) is going to partner with India to implement its Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) initiative globally for energy savings. IAE has been impressed with performance of India’s UJALA programme in terms of vastly improving access to LED lighting while reducing their cost drastically.
BENEFITS FROM THE SCHEME:
- Consumers can procure the energy efficient bulbs at a cheaper price (40% lesser than the market price).
- The bulbs are available at EMI as well.
- Energy can be saved and the electricity bills too.
- Green house gas emissions will be reduced.
- EESL is providing three year warranty on every LED.
- The implementing agencies provided the toll-free number to register complaints on faulty pieces.
- 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.
CONCLUSION:
The highest achievement of this scheme at global level was when Malaysia replicated the UJALA scheme.India’s zero-subsidy UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable Lighting for All) Scheme was launched in Melaka State of Malaysia by Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under Union Ministry of Power. It highlights success of Indian model UJALA scheme to promote efficient lighting, using efficient equipment to reduce electricity bills and preserve environment at global level.
With technology ushering future-ready solutions, India stands at a precipice where several regions still have minimal access to electricity, the demand for which is witnessing an uptick. The downside though, remains that emissions also rise simultaneously with the demand. In this market scenario, we need simple, affordable and scalable solutions that help customers save more, while cutting down energy needs and emissions. EESL was formed predominantly to address these issues of increasing the adoption for energy efficient products across public, private and residential facilities nationally.
The program therefore aims to
- rectify India’s high cost of electrification and
- the increased emissions from inefficient lighting, amidst the backdrop of electricity demand witnessing a 5-fold increase over the coming years.
The UJALA scheme has now become revolutionary movement as each individual counts.Energy saving via switching from traditional lamps to LEDS have really helped in providing energy to those areas that cant even dreamt of. This scheme lead to sustainable development for all.
For more details : VISIT http://vikaspedia.in/energy/policy-support/energy-efficiency/domestic-efficient-lighting-programme-delp
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