The state-run and private power distribution companies in Gujarat have been given approval by the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC), for implementation of Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP), which is now known as UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All). As part of the scheme, these power distibution companies will be providing LED bulbs to consumers in their respective locations.
The UJALA scheme was launched by the central government in January 2015 and the prime target of this scheme is to replace 77 crore incandescent lamps with LED bulbs. The central government has already distributed LED bulbs under this scheme in 12 states. More than 10 crore LED bulbs have already been distributed in the country. Gujarat will see the formal launch of the scheme by chief minister Anandiben Patel on May 26, 2016.
The state power regulator has given its go ahead to state-owned Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (UGVCL), Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (MGVCL), Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (DGVCL) and Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (PGVCL) and private sector Torrent Power Ltd to hand out the LED bulbs. Torrent Power supplies power to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Surat.
According to government data, after the implementation of this scheme it will result in a saving of Rs 2,058.98 crores per year on energy bills of state-run discom customers. In case of Torrent Power customers, the estamated savings will be to the tune of Rs 433.46 crore per annum.
By Atanu Kumar Das
