Union Minister of state for Power, Coal and new and renewable Energy, Piyush Goyal had announced in June this year that the Government will be distributing the three Light-Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs free to 5 lakh consumers from July 8 to July 17. The bulbs were already being provided at a subsidised rate of Rs. 25 for the first three bulbs and Rs. 75 from then on under the ‘Ujala‘ scheme. LED bulbs normally cost about Rs. 200-300. What is the government’s intention in putting an emphasis on LED bulbs?
Why LED bulbs over CFL bulbs?
CFL
The Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs which are currently being used by the majority of Goans are said to be efficient in lighting, but consume a lot of energy in the process. They are said to have a lesser life than the LED, but the cost of a CFL is very less in comparison to an LED.
LED
They are currently being projected by the Government (Center and State) as big energy savers. According to a report, LED’s will reduce the electricity consumption by 45% in comparison to a CFL. Although the LED’s cost more they do last for a long time (25,000 hours), that is longer than the CFL bulbs.
To avail the benefit
The Goa government will be holding programes in 227 places across the state to distribute the bulbs. A total of 5 lakh consumers will receive 15 lakh wortht LED bulbs. This will put a financial liability of 11 crores on the State government. Consumers need to carry their electricity bills and an identity card to get the bulbs. The bulbs also carry a warranty of three years provided by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (public energy service company under the power ministry). The bulbs will be replaced if there is a technical fault.
The ‘Ujala’ scheme seems to be a good initiative by the Central government. State government has added a cherry to the top by giving the first three subsidised bulbs for free. It would be interesting to see how many consumers continue with LED after the first three bulbs.
