India’s flagship UJALA scheme, launched in January 2015, has marked its 10th anniversary, achieving remarkable milestones in power conservation and sustainable development. Under the Ministry of Power, the scheme has distributed 36.87 crore LED bulbs, resulting in significant annual electricity savings of Rs 191.53 billion.
Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency Across India
The UJALA scheme, run by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power, has facilitated the sale of 407.92 crore LED bulbs across India. The initiative offers LED bulbs at discounted rates of Rs 70, compared to their previous market price of Rs 450-500, leading to significant reductions in household electricity consumption and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Staggering Statistics and Environmental Impact
The scheme has achieved annual energy savings of 47,883 million kWh, reduced peak demand by 9,586 MW, and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 3.87 crore tonnes annually. These results were made possible through e-procurement and bulk purchasing, which allowed for affordable access to LED bulbs for millions of households.
Complementing UJALA: The Street Lighting National Programme
Alongside UJALA, the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), launched in 2015, has led to the installation of 1.34 crore LED streetlights in urban and rural areas, saving 9,001 million kWh annually and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 6.2 million tonnes. The SLNP operates on a business model where EESL funds the projects upfront and recoups costs via annuity payments from municipalities.
A Global Inspiration: UJALA’s Impact and Legacy
Officials from the Ministry of Power noted that UJALA and SLNP have collectively transformed energy efficiency across India, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and climate change mitigation. The Ministry emphasised that these initiatives demonstrate the effectiveness of government-driven programmes in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions while promoting sustainability. The success of UJALA continues to influence global energy efficiency policies, with several countries adopting similar models inspired by its outcomes.
