UJALA and SLNP Programs

Why in news?

• India’s zero subsidy Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) and Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) marks their sixth anniversary today.
• Both the programmes are being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL),

UJALA scheme (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED’s for All):

• Under the scheme, every grid-connected consumer can get UJALA LED bulbs at about 40% of the market price.
• The scheme also provided facility to pay for LED bulbs in EMIs.
• UJALA scheme is not a subsidy scheme.
• The total upfront investment and risk coverage is borne by EESL.
• The DISCOM pays EESL from actual energy savings over 5 years.
• Under UJALA, EESL has distributed over 36.69 crore LED bulbs across India.

Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)

• It aims to replace 3.5 crore conventional street and domestic lights with energy efficient LED lights.
• It is being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
• With SLNP, EESL has installed about 1.14 crore LED streetlights across India.

About EESL:

• Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is a joint venture of PSUs under Ministry of Power i.e.NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID.
• Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the administration of Ministry of Power, is working towards mainstreaming energy efficiency and is implementing the world’s largest energy efficiency portfolio in the country.
• EESL aims to create market access for efficient and future-ready transformative solutions.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding UJALA scheme for:
1.It is implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
2.It aims to increase the number of LED bulbs in domestic connections.
3.Government provides subsidy for the implementation of the scheme.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a)1 and 2 only 
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)3 only
(d)1,2 and 3

Answer to prelims question