The Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme, launched in January 2015, has achieved a significant milestone, completing a decade of transforming energy efficiency in India. Data from the Ministry of Power highlights that the scheme has distributed 36.87 crore LED bulbs, resulting in annual electricity savings of ₹19,153 crore.
Implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power, UJALA has driven the sale of 407.92 crore LED bulbs at an affordable ₹70 per unit, compared to earlier market rates of ₹450–500. This has slashed household electricity consumption and contributed to environmental sustainability.
Annual energy savings under UJALA amount to 47,883 million kWh, with a 9,586 MW reduction in peak demand and a 3.87 crore tonne annual drop in carbon dioxide emissions. These achievements stem from e-procurement and bulk purchasing strategies, making LEDs affordable nationwide.
Additionally, the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), launched alongside UJALA, has installed 1.34 crore LED streetlights, saving 9,001 million kWh annually and reducing 6.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Operating on an innovative annuity payment model, SLNP enables municipalities to adopt energy-efficient lighting without significant upfront investments.
