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The UJALA and SLNP Schemes
Context:
The UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme, launched on 5th January 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has marked its 10th anniversary in 2025.
More on News:
- UJALA has distributed over 36.87 crore LED bulbs, resulting in annual electricity savings of ₹19,153 crore.
- Additionally, the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), launched alongside UJALA, has installed 1.34 crore LED streetlights in urban and rural areas, resulting in further energy savings and emission reductions.
UJALA Scheme:
- Initially introduced as the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP), UJALA’s mission has been to revolutionise household lighting by providing affordable, energy-efficient LED bulbs, tube lights, and fans to millions of Indian households.
- This initiative, a collaboration between Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and DISCOMs under the Ministry of Power, has brought energy-saving technologies into the homes of millions, addressing challenges such as high electricity costs and carbon emissions.
- The scheme has evolved into the world’s largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting program, driving India towards significant energy savings, carbon emissions reduction, and economic efficiency.
Why UJALA Was Needed?
- Traditional lighting systems like Incandescent Lamps (ICLs) and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) consumed substantial electricity and were costly for consumers.
- A 7W LED bulb provides the same light as a 14W CFL or a 60W ICL, saving up to 90% energy compared to ICLs and 50% compared to CFLs.
- In 2014, LED bulbs were priced between Rs 450–500, making them unaffordable compared to CFLs and ICLs. UJALA addressed this barrier by offering affordable pricing through competitive bidding.
Impact of UJALA on Consumers and the Environment:
- UJALA made LED bulbs are available at Rs 70 per bulb, Rs 220 per LED tube light, and Rs 1,110 per energy-efficient fan.
- Energy consumption was drastically reduced:
- 1 LED bulb consumes only 1 unit of electricity for 140 hours, compared to 2 units for CFLs and 9 units for ICLs.
- The annual cost of ownership is Rs 12 for an LED bulb, compared to Rs 40 for CFLs and Rs 108 for ICLs, highlighting the economic advantages of LED lighting.
- These price reductions and energy efficiencies have resulted in:
- Significant savings on electricity bills for consumers.
- Enhanced economic viability and environmental sustainability through reduced carbon emissions.
Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP):
- Launched simultaneously with UJALA on 5th January 2015, SLNP focuses on replacing conventional streetlights with smart, energy-efficient LED streetlights in both urban and rural areas.
- Implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in collaboration with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Municipal Bodies, and Gram Panchayats (GPs).
- EESL manages the upfront investment for municipalities and recoups costs via monthly or quarterly annuities. EESL ensures 95% uptime for the streetlights, enhancing public safety and reducing operational costs for municipalities.
- Energy Savings: The programme has resulted in savings of over 9,001 million units (MUs) of electricity annually.
- Reduction in Peak Demand: SLNP has helped reduce peak demand by 1,500 MW and has cut CO₂ emissions by over 6.2 million tonnes annually.
