Piyush Goyal launches energy efficient lighting initiatives in Varanasi

Central and State Government, in association with Energy Efficiency Services Limited to distribute 13 lakh LED bulbs to more than two lakh domestic consumers in Varanasi

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal, in a major initiative aimed at promoting energy efficiency in the city of Varanasi, launched Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) and LED-Based Smart Street Light programmes in the presence of Minister of State for Energy Yassir Shah.

The launch of these initiatives late evening heralds the government's pledge to cut down energy usage by 10,000 MW during peak hours by promoting LED lights across the nation.

The Central and State Government, in association with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a public sector entity under Ministry of Power, will distribute about 13 lakh LED bulbs to more than two lakh domestic consumers and replace thousands of conventional street lights with energy efficient LEDs in Varanasi.
 

 

Speaking on the occasion Goyal said "With energy-efficient LED lights, demand of electricity in Varanasi will be down by 45 MW and lead to savings to the tune of Rs. 68 crore. The innovative business model of conversion of conventional streetlights with energy-efficient LED street lights has the potential of replication as it obviates the need for any capital investment by municipal bodies. This will also lead to substantial savings in energy during peak hours while at the same time enhancing the service quality of the lights."

"There will be considerable savings on the street lights as well as in the domestic sector in due course. This should help ensure 24x7 supply to every household," said Yassir Shah who was also present during the inauguration of LED based EE initiatives in Varanasi.

EESL will replace the estimated 36,077 conventional street lights with energy efficient and smart LED lights across the city at its own cost.

Over the course of five to seven years, municipalities will use part of the savings in energy and maintenance cost to repay EESL. Provided with free replacements and maintenance of lights at no additional cost, municipalities can affordably install state-of-the-art long-lasting and energy efficient street lights at no upfront capital cost.

This will enable the municipalities to obtain state-of-the-art and energy efficient LED street lights without any upfront cost or any additional future expenditure, and with five to seven years of maintenance.

EESL in cooperation with Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (PUVVNL) will also implement DELP across the city. The LED distribution programme will distribute about 13 lakh LED bulbs to grid-connected domestic consumers in Varanasi. Under DELP, each household having connected load of less than or equal to two kilo watts will be provided with up to five 7-Watt high quality LED bulbs at an initial payment of Rs.10 each followed by a recovery of Rs.110 each over a period of 11 months from electricity bills.

The combined impact of the Government's two initiatives could help Varanasi achieve energy savings to the tune of nearly 104 million kWh annually.

Energy efficiency is a key thrust area of the Central and State Government and emphasis has been laid on scaling up its implementation. On a national level all incandescent bulbs will be changed to LED in three years.

The announcement of these programme follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pledge of 'wholehearted commitment towards energy conservation' and is aimed at realising his vision of '24X7 affordable power for all'.