Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) has so far distributed over 3.60 lakh LED bulbs under the “GRAM UJALA” scheme launched in March this year.
In a release, CESL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) said that it has so far distributed 2,52,069 LED bulbs in the Arrah and Buxar districts of Bihar. In Uttar Pradesh, where the Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Pratapgarh and Bhadohi districts have been identified for the rollout, 1,08,470 LED bulbs have been disbursed.
The release also noted that distribution and awareness-building under Gram Ujala has resumed. Activities were suspended after the imposition of pandemic-induced lockdown in UP and Bihar in April.
The GRAM UJALA programme was launched in March this year, targeting distribution of 1.50 crore LED bulbs in the first phase. This can result in potential annual energy savings of 2025 million kwh per year and CO2 reductions of 1.65 million tonnes.
Under GRAM UJALA, 7-watt and 12-watt LED bulbs with 3-year warranty will be given to rural consumers against submission of working incandescent bulbs. The GRAM UJALA programme will be implemented only in villages of the five districts where consumers can exchange a maximum of five LED bulbs. These rural households will also have meters installed in their houses to monitor numbers of hours of usage. CESL uses carbon credits to offset the cost of these LED bulbs.
