Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) unveiled the GRAM UJALA programme on March 19, 2021. The programme was launched by Minister of State for Power & New and Renewable Energy R. K. Singh in Arrah, Bhojpur district in Bihar.
Under this programme, CESL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), will distribute high quality LED bulbs, at an affordable cost of Rs.10 per bulb in rural areas.
In the first phase of this programme, 15 million (1.5 crore) LED bulbs will be distributed across villages of Aarah (Bihar), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Vijaywada (Andhra Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), and village in western Gujarat.
Gram Ujala programme will be financed entirely through carbon credits and will be the first such programme in India.
Impact on climate change
The GRAM UJALA programme will have a significant impact on India’s climate change action energy savings of 2025 million KWh/year and CO2 reductions of 1.65 million tonnes of CO2 per year. The programme will enable better illumination, at an affordable price of Rs.10 per bulb. This will usher in a better standard of life, financial savings, more economic activity, and better safety for rural citizens.
How it works
Under the programme, 7-watt and 12-watt LED bulbs with a three-year warranty will be given to rural consumers against submission of working incandescent bulbs. The Gram Ujala programme will be implemented in villages of the five districts only and consumers can exchange a maximum of five LED bulbs. These rural households will also have meters installed in their houses to account for usage.
Carbon credit verification
Further on, carbon credit documentation will be sent to UN-accredited validators for inclusion into the Shine Program of activities. Carbon credits will be prepared under the Shine Program of Activities with an option for verifying under the Voluntary Carbon Standard, depending on the needs of buyers. Carbon Credit Buyers will also be sought through an open process based on initial discussions with the market. The balance cost and margin on the LED cost will be recouped through the carbon credits earned.
