Now, buy LED bulbs, fans from post offices

Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 25

Good news for consumers as they can now buy LED bulbs, ceiling fans and energy efficient LED tubelights from the post offices in the city. 

The Department of Posts, Punjab circle, and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) signed an agreement to provide the appliances in all post offices in a phased manner at government controlled rates.

The Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All (UJALA) scheme launched by the Centre aims at promoting efficient use of energy at residential level. The scheme with the help of affordable and exchangeable appliances aims at aggregating demands to reduce high initial costs to facilitate higher uptake of LED lights by residential users.

Officials said every domestic household having metered connection was eligible for the scheme. Consumers can purchase an LED bulb at Rs 70, ceiling fan at Rs 1,110 and energy efficient LED tubelight at Rs 220. For this, a consumer would be required to provide a valid identity proof to the post office. Nitin Bhat, regional manager, Punjab, EESL, said: “People can either buy or get their faulty appliances replaced at the centres in a convenient manner.”

Officials said such kiosks would be operational in other post offices in the state as well.

The EESL has distributed over 18.5 lakh LED bulbs, above 1.2 lakh LED tubelights and over 30,000 energy efficient fans in Punjab and Chandigarh so far. Officials said this distribution figure was estimated to help save more than 6,84,381 kwh of daily energy- a monetary saving of Rs 27 lakh.