Centre, UP to distribute 13 lakh LED bulbs in Varanasi

NEW DELHI, June 9: The Centre and Uttar Pradesh government in association with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a public sector entity under Ministry of Power, will distribute 13 lakh LED bulbs to 2,28,496 consumers and replace 36,077 conventional street lights with LEDs in Varanasi, the government has said. In a major initiative aimed at promoting energy efficiency in Varanasi, Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal launched domestic efficient lighting programme and LED-based Smart Street Light programmes in Varanasi late evening yesterday, the Power Ministry said in a statement. The government is looking to cut down energy usage by 10,000 Megawatt (MW) during peak hours by promoting LED lights across the nation. 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. "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," Yassir Shah, Minister of Energy, Uttar Pradesh said during the occasion. 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-seven years, municipalities will use part of the savings in energy and maintenance cost to repay EESL, the statement said. Goyal had last month said that the government plans to fast-track rollout of LED bulbs which will result in reduction of 27,000 MW peak load. "All bulbs will be replaced with LEDs over next three years, resulting in huge savings in power bills for consumers while proposed amendments in Electricity Act will allow consumers to chose and change power supplier, with competition improving affordability and service," he had said.