IN NEWS

UJALA completes 10 years: Over 36.87 crore LED bulbs distributed; ₹19,153 crore annual savings achieved

ANALYSIS

1. Context

• The UJALA scheme (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) marked 10 years on 5 January 2025.
• Launched in 2015, it has become the world’s largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting programme.
• As of 6 January 2025, 36.87 crore LED bulbs have been distributed nationwide.
• Annual consumer savings have reached ₹19,153 crore, reducing electricity consumption and emission load significantly.

2. Why Was UJALA Needed?

Traditional lighting had multiple issues:

• High electricity consumption
• High operating cost
• Low market share of LEDs (<1% in 2013–14)
• High retail price
  • LED: ₹450–500
  • CFL: ₹100–150
  • ICL: ₹10–15

Energy comparison – LED vs CFL vs ICL

Annual ownership cost

• LED: ₹12
• CFL: ₹40
• ICL: ₹108

Huge economic gap → intervention required.

3. Features of UJALA Scheme

• Provides LED appliances at subsidy-free affordable rates:
  • LED bulb – ₹70
  • LED tube light – ₹220
  • Energy-efficient fan – ₹1110
• Costs determined through competitive bidding (EESL).
• Components included in price:
  • Appliance cost
  • Distribution
  • AMC
  • Awareness campaigns
  • Cost of capital
  • Administrative charges

4. 10 Years of UJALA – Key Achievements

A. Distribution & Adoption

• 36.87 crore LEDs distributed through UJALA.
• Led to a market transformation:
  • 407.92 crore LED bulbs sold in Indian retail markets (catalysed by UJALA).

B. Economic Benefits

• ₹19,153 crore savings every year for consumers.
• Reduction of household electricity bills nationwide.

C. Environmental Benefits

• Major reduction in:
  • Electricity demand
  • Carbon emissions
  • Fossil fuel consumption

D. Implementation Strength

• Transparent e-procurement lowered costs.
• DISCOMs + EESL partnership enhanced scale and adoption.
• Ensured nationwide coverage across states and districts.

5. Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)

Launched along with UJALA on 5 January 2015 to transform public lighting.

Aim

• Replace conventional streetlights with smart, energy-efficient LEDs.
• Reduce municipal energy bills and ensure high uptime.

Model

• EESL funds upfront cost → municipalities pay back via annuity model.
• Ensures 95%+ uptime for streetlights.

SLNP Achievements (as of 6 Jan 2025)

• 1.34 crore LED streetlights installed across ULBs & Gram Panchayats.
• 9001 million units (MUs) of annual electricity saved.
• 1500+ MW reduction in peak demand.
• 6.2 million tonnes reduction in CO₂ emissions annually.

SLNP has become India’s benchmark model for energy-efficient, low-cost public lighting.

6. Significance of UJALA + SLNP

Together, these programmes have:

• Reduced India’s electricity consumption drastically.
• Lowered carbon footprint.
• Reduced financial burden on households & municipalities.
• Increased access to high-quality lighting.
• Driven market transformation towards energy-efficient technologies.
• Strengthened India’s climate commitments & sustainability goals.

STATIC PORTION 

1. UJALA Launch Year: 2015
2. Implementing Agency: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
3. Parent Ministry: Ministry of Power
4. Objective: Affordable LEDs + reduction in energy consumption
5. SLNP Purpose: Energy-efficient street lighting
6. UJALA Type: Zero-subsidy domestic lighting programme
7. Key Metrics: LED bulb distribution, electricity units saved, CO₂ reduction

Updated – 06 Jan 2025 ; 5:54 PM | PIB

News Source: PIB (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2090639)