EESL inaugurates UJALA scheme in Amritsar, to begin launch in Firozpur and Fazilka

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power in coordination with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), launched the Unnat Jeevan By Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All (UJALA) scheme in Amritsar today.  The event was jointly inaugurated by Er. B.S. Matharu, Deputy Chief Engineer, Headquarter cum Administration, Border Zone, PSPCL, Amritsar; Er. Amrik Singh, Deputy Chief Engineer, City Circle, PSPCL, Amritsar and Er. P.K. Saini, Deputy Chief Engineer, Sub-Urban Circle, Amritsar. Sh. Nitin Bhatt, Regional Manager, Punjab, Energy Efficiency Services Limited was also present on the occasion.

Under the scheme, consumers can buy ten high quality 9W LED bulbs at Rs. 65/each, five 50W BEE 5-star rated energy efficient fans at Rs. 1,150/each and ten 20W LED Tube Lights at Rs. 230/each respectively. The scheme shall also be launched in Firozepur and Fazilka on June 30.

Every household that switches to these energy efficient appliances would have an annual energy savings of over 2,300 kWh. This will result in an estimated annual savings of over ₹9,000 in each household’s electricity bill.

Speaking at the occasion, Shri Nitin Bhatt, Regional Manager, Punjab, EESL said, “EESL is pleased to announce the commencement of the distribution of appliances under UJALA in Amritsar. We are thankful to PSPCL for providing us with all the necessary support in carrying out smooth distribution of these energy efficient appliances in the state. We urge all residents of Amritsar to come in large numbers to make the scheme a success, and contribute in making India a world leader in energy efficiency.”

The UJALA scheme was launched in Punjab on May 24, 2017. In Punjab, over 85,000 LED bulbs, 2,000 tubelights and 900 fans have been distributed since the launch of the scheme. This is leading to an annual energy savings of 1.2 crore kWh, while also resulting in an annual monetary saving of over ₹4.5 crore to consumers’ electricity bills. These appliances have also helped in saving 9,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The appliances shall be available at EESL authorized distribution centres as well as PSPCL sub-divisional offices across the city, which shall be listed under the UJALA Dashboard www.ujala.gov.in . By clicking on ‘Punjab’, and subsequently on ‘Amritsar’ on either the website or on the UJALA app, the consumer will be able to locate the nearest distribution centre to buy energy efficient appliances.

EESL advises all consumers to not pay anything more than the above mentioned prices. If consumers notice or come across anyone demanding higher prices than the stated price, they should immediately report such cases at “Register your complaint” section on UJALA dashboard www.ujala.gov.in, or on EESL social media handles - for Twitter @EESL_India and for Facebook @EESLIndia. They can also contact the all India helpline number 1800 180 3580.

The LED bulbs and LED tube lights provided under the UJALA scheme are of superior quality and come with a three-year free replacement warranty. The LED bulbs have a lifetime of 25,000 hours and consume only one-tenth of the energy used by ordinary bulbs to provide better light output. Moreover, the ceiling fans under the scheme are 30 percent more energy efficient as compared to conventional fans, whereas the 20W LED tube lights are 50 percent more energy efficient than the conventional 40 W tube lights.

During the distribution phase, replacement of faulty bulbs, if any, can be done through any of the distribution counters that would be operating within the state.

The UJALA scheme was launched by the Government of India on January 5, 2015 with a target of replacing 77 crore inefficient bulbs with Energy Efficient LED Bulbs. Currently, over 24.2 crore LED bulbs, 25.1 lakh tube lights and 9 lakh fans have already been distributed across 27 states. This has led to annual energy savings of more than 3,166 crore kWh and resulting in avoidance of over 6,370 MW of peak demand. The estimated cumulative cost reduction in bills of consumers, per year is INR 12,652 crores and has also helped in reduction of 2.56 crore tonnes of CO2 per annum.