Efficiency has always been a key metric in judging the performance of any appliance used in daily life. The focus, in this case, is electric bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs or halogen bulbs have been around since forever. However, the problem with halogen bulbs was that they used a large amount of power and were not all that environmentally friendly.
When LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs first came out, they were all the rage, because they offered a brighter, more durable and more environmentally friendly solution to the future. A significant difference in efficiency was found to be that incandescent bulbs, in order to produce the same amount of light as LEDs, used five times as much power. But as usual, something better always comes at a price, and in terms of LEDs, the price was pretty sizable.
What is UJALA Scheme?
Recognising the need for energy efficiency in a country that boasts one of the highest numbers in terms of population, the Government of India introduced the UJALA (Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All) Scheme in 2015, so that every household hosts LED-powered appliances. This scheme was of utmost importance to enable the country’s broad base of price-sensitive customers to buy LEDs by making them available at affordable rates. Such is the belief in the efficiency of the LEDs that it has been hailed as the “Prakash Path” which means “way to light”.
About UJALA Scheme
Seeing the need for energy efficiency in the country, the Government of India launched the UJALA (Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All) Scheme in 2015, so that every household hosts LED-powered appliances. Before, the launch of this scheme, the consumers used to avoid the consumption of LED bulbs due to the high cost of these bulbs. However, the scheme made it possible for consumers to buy LEDs as the scheme provides these bulbs at affordable rates.
Objectives of UJALA Scheme
The main objective of this scheme is to promote the efficient use of energy for all. The scheme is also considerd as the world’s largest program. Under this scheme the Electricity Distribution Company will distribute LED bulbs at subsidized rates to every grid-connected customer with a metered connection.
Need of LED Bulbs
The LED bulbs are needed as they provide better light output by consuming only one-tenth of the energy in comparison to an ordinary bulb. The scheme also focuses on distributing 20W LED tube lights to the consumers which are 50% more energy-efficient than the regular 40W tube lights. However, the high cost of LEDs has been a barrier in adopting such an efficient lighting system. Besides this, the LED bulbs have the following qualities-;
- The lifespan of an incandescent bulb is approximately 1,200 hours, whereas the LEDs boast a much higher sense of durability offering 50,000-1,00,000 hours.
- LEDs utilize around 75% lesser energy than incandescent lights.
- LEDs operate at a significantly lower temperature as compared to the super-heated up incandescent light bulbs since they turn energy into light. In contrast, incandescent bulbs use heat to convert into the light.
Features of UJALA Scheme
The main features of UJALA SCHEME are as follows-;
- Energy Efficient Limited implements this scheme.
- It is a joint venture of the public sector undertakings under the Ministry of Power.
- it is the largest domestic lighting project in the world.
- Previously the same scheme was introduced as the DELP (Domestic Efficient Lighting Program). However, later it was changed to the UJALA Scheme.
Target of the Scheme
| No of LED lights to be replaced in 3 years | 77 crore |
| Expected annual energy savings | 105 billion KWh |
| Expected reduction of installed load | 20,000 MW |
| Estimated capital investment (excluding O&M) | Rs. 8000 crore |
| Annual estimated greenhouse gas emission reductions | 79 million tonnes of CO2 |
Who is eligible?
Each and every person of the country can avail UJALA SCHEME, If they have taken a meter connection from their respective electricity distribution company. Furthermore, the government will also set up special counters or kiosks in the cities which will facilitate the distribution of LED bulbs under the scheme.
Documents Required
In order to avail of LED bulbs under thisscheme, you must have the following documennts-;
- Copy of the latest electricity bill.
- Copy of proof of identity.
- Proof of the residence.
Price of LED bulbs under UJALA Scheme
As we have tolad you that under this scheme, people get LEDs at subsidized rates. So the rates for different LEDs are as follows-;
- 9W LED bulbs at an affordable cost of Rs. 70/-
- 20W energy-efficient LED tube light at Rs. 220/-
- BEE 5-star ceiling fans at Rs. 1,110/-
Note-: The ESSL also provides a warranty of one foe these LED bulbs. So in case, you face any technical problem with your bulb then you can exchange it for free.
How to Register a Complaint?
If you want to register a complaint regarding the LEDs, then you can do so by following the given steps-;
- Firstly, you will have to visit the official website of the UJALA Scheme.
- Then on the home page, you will have to click on the Register Your Complaints option.
- Now a page will open in front of you and there you will have to enter the following details-;
- Call Number
- language
- Scheme
- State District
- Caller name
- Description
- Captcha Code
- Finally hit the Save option in order to register your complaint successfully.
Note-; Besides this, you can also make your complaint on the following-;
- Whatsapp Number for Complaint Registration- 7827999111
- Toll-free Number- 1800 180 3580
- Email ID- helpline@eesl.co.in
How to Track your Complaint?
In order to check the status of your complaint, you will have to follow the steps given below
- Firstly, you will have to visit the official website of the UJALA Scheme.
- Then on the home page, you will have to click on the Register Your Complaints option.
- Now a page will open in front of you and there you will have to enter your Call Number or Complaint ID.
- Finally, hit the Search option and the status of your complaint will appear on your computer screen.
Download UJALA Mobile App
There an app is also available for this scheme. So if you want to download this app then do follow the steps given below-;
- Firstly, you will have to visit the Google Play Sore.
- Then in the search box type the name of this app.
- Now select the most appropriate result and hit the Install option.
- Wait until it gets downloaded.
- Once it gets downloaded, register yourself and start using it.
Note-: You can download the UJALA Mobile App from here also.
Third Party Testing Laboratories empanelled with EESL
| Sr. No. | Name of N.A.B.L. accredited third party testing Laboratory empanelled with EESL | Address of N.A.B.L. accredited third party testing Laboratory empanelled with EESL |
| 1 | UL India Private Limited | Plot No 413, Sec -08, IMT-Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana – 122 050, India. Tel: +91 124 4215705/06/07/08/09, ext 64111 Website : www.ul.com E-Mail : Puneet.Randeo@ul.com |
| 2 | BHARAT TEST HOUSE (P) LTD. | 781, HSIIDC Industrial Estate, Rai, Distt. Sonepat, Haryana-131001, India. Ph: +91- 011-45040649, 47540649 Website : www.bharattesthouse.com E-Mail : bthrai@bharattesthouse.com |
| 3 | HI-PHYSIX LABORATORY (I) PVT. LTD. | A-79, M.I.D.C. Industrial Area, Ranjangaon, Pune – 412210, Maharashtra, India. Tel : 02138-232901,232902,232903 Website : www.hiphysix.com E-Mail : info@hiphysix.com, infohplindia@gmail.com |
| 4 | Electrical Research And Development Association (E.R.D.A.) | ERDA Road, G.I.D.C., Makarpura, 390010, Vadodara, Gujarat, INDIA EPABX: +91 265 3043128-31, 2642942, 2642377, 2642964 Extn.:246 Direct : +91 265 3048038, Mobile: +91 9978940934 Fax : +91 265 2638382 Website : www.erda.org Email : erda@erda.org |
Note: The minimum nos. of samples picked for third party testing are 42 nos. of a single vendor & the charges incurred for testing of 1 set of 42 nos. of LED bulbs are Rs. 1,94,500/- exclusive of all applicable taxes & duties, service tax, loading/unloading/transportation/installation/commissioning, lodging & boarding travel expenses etc. Any other charges/cost/TA/DA is also included in the above contract price. Service tax is paid on actuals as on the date of invoice.