Gujarat becomes first state to distribute 2 cr LED bulbs

Gujarat has become the first state to distribute 2 crore LED bulbs under the Centre's Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for all (UJALA) scheme.
"Under the Government of India's Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for all scheme, Gujarat has become the first state to distribute 2 crore LED bulbs," the Power Ministry said in a release.
According to the statement, Gujarat has reached this milestone in just 96 days and over 42 lakh households have already benefited from the scheme.
State-run Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the administration of the Power Ministry, is distributing about 2 lakh bulbs daily in Gujarat, a record in itself.

In his speech in Jamnagar today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "There is competition between states to outdo each other in terms of LED distribution. Gujarat, in less than 100 days (of joining), is now leading in terms of LED distribution across the nation."
The distribution of 2 crore LED bulbs has led to an annual energy savings of 259 crore kwh, which is equivalent to lighting up 5 lakh Indian homes for an entire year.

Alongside the savings, the state has also gained from daily CO2 emission reduction of 5,000 tonnes. The programme has helped the state avoid 520 mw of peak demand.

In Gujarat, 9w LED bulbs are being distributed under the UJALA scheme. These energy-efficient bulbs come with a free 3 year replacement warranty for any technical defect.
To get such bulbs, consumers have an option of paying upfront Rs 70 per each unit or they can choose an EMI option.
Consumers choosing the EMI mode will have to pay Rs 75 in total where an amount of nearly Rs 20 per LED bulb will be added to their bi-monthly electricity bill for four billing cycles.
Consumers stand to save nearly Rs 336 per LED bulb on their electricity bills every year, effectively making them free in just 3 months.

The state government aims to distribute 12 crore LED bulbs across the state. This would lead to energy savings of nearly 650 crore kwh (units) and cost savings of about Rs 2,500 crore.
Under UJALA, over 15 crore LED bulbs have already been distributed across India. This is leading to annual energy savings of 1948 crore kwh and has led to avoidance of 3,900 mw of peak demand. Through the programme, the estimated cumulative cost reduction in bills of consumers annually is Rs 7,990 crore.