Union power and renewable energy minister R.K Singh launched the Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) Gram Ujala scheme that seeks to distribute LED bulbs at a cost of Rs 10 per bulb in the rural areas of Varanasi.
CESL which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) said in a statement that the first phase of the Gram Ujala programme will involve the distribution of 1.5 crore LED bulbs which intends to facilitate energy savings of 2025 million kWh/year and CO2 reductions at 1.65 million T CO2 per year.
“Under the programme, 7 watt and 12 watt LED bulbs with 3 years warranty will be given to rural consumers against submission of working incandescent bulbs,” CESL said.
It added that the programme will be implemented only in villages of the five districts where consumers can exchange a maximum of 5 LED bulbs. These houses will also have meters installed in their houses to monitor numbers of hours of usage.
Singh applauded the scheme saying that so far 36 crores LED bulbs have been distributed and 1.15 crore streetlights have been replaced with LED lights across the country. He also noted that the scheme has crossed 6,150 distribution mark in Arrah, Bihar within two days of launch.
