Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 11: More than 30 lakh LED bulbs have been distributed in Jammu and Kashmir during the past two months under UJALA scheme.
The scheme was formally launched by the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in the State on 28 August 2016. UJALA, an acronym for Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All, is a scheme for registered domestic electricity consumers to be implemented by Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department in collaboration with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
Under the scheme consumers can buy 5 LED bulbs at the rate of Rs 20 each on production of photostat copy of photo identity card and latest electricity bill. In case of purchase of more than five bulbs, consumers need to pay Rs 75 per bulb.
Giving details of the distribution of LED bulbs made in J&K since the launch of the scheme, EESL authorities said that 3009379 bulbs were distributed among the registered consumers in the State till November 8. “This has resulted in per day energy saving of 1070737 kWh with the per day cost saving of Rs 4282948,” they said, adding that the shift to LED bulbs has resulted in avoiding peak demand of 78 MW and 867 tonnes CO2 reduction per day.
According to reports hundreds of people are visiting the authorized distribution centres in the State every day to get subsidized LED bulbs.
Speaking on achieving this milestone, Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director, EESL said, “The response for UJALA from Jammu and Kashmir has been overwhelming. Every household that switches to LED bulbs will help the nation in fulfilling the vision of Power for All. We have ensured that these LED bulbs are within everyone’s reach by tying up with Khidmat/CSC Kendra throug-hout the state. The scheme will play a key role in bringing heavy energy savings in the State”.