To commemorate National Energy Conservation Day, the government of Andhra Pradesh will distribute 10 million LED bulbs to rural families under the Gram Ujala scheme beginning from Tuesday.
The bulbs will be distributed at a low cost of $10 per unit, with the expense absorbed by a state-owned Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
It is also being done in conjunction with the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
The CESL will distribute 7-Watt and 12-Watt energy-efficient LED bulbs with a three-year warranty against the submission of operational incandescent bulbs under the scheme.
What is Gram Ujala scheme?
RK Singh, Union Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, launched Gram Ujala in March of this year in an attempt to expand awareness against climate change and to preserve electricity. "The move will save 2025 million kilowatt of energy every year," Singh stated at the scheme's launching.
LED lights would be distributed at a highly subsidized rate of Rs.10 across 2,579 villages in five states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Residents can buy a maximum of 5 LED bulbs by exchanging outdated 100 watt bulbs. Meters will also be installed at these residences by the government.
According to a report, this will save 2025 million units (kWh) of electricity annually, while there will also be a reduction in carbon emissions by 16.5 lakh tons per annum. This will provide better lighting in homes at a cheaper rate.
In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the scheme has already achieved a distribution mark of more than 33 lakh LED lights.
It will be operational in the other three states starting Tuesday, according to a statement from the power ministry.
The Ujala scheme is being implemented by EESL, a joint venture of leading PSUs under the administration of the ministry of power.
