UJALA scheme launched in city

Tribune News Service 

Patiala, August 12

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the Ministry of Power, launched the Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All (UJALA) scheme here today.

The move, launched in collaboration with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, is estimated to save Rs 9,000 annually in consumer’s electricity bill for each household here.

The distribution of energy efficient appliances was inaugurated here today by Preneet Kaur, former Union State Minister for External Affairs.

Speaking on the occasion, Kaur said: “The Punjab Government is proud to partner with Energy Efficiency Services Limited in its energy efficiency initiatives such as the UJALA scheme. With the implementation of the Ujala scheme in Punjab, Rs 600 crore will be saved on account of saving of energy”.

She said help of village panchayats would be taken for the proper implementation of the scheme in the rural areas of Punjab. This scheme would help people of Punjab to save energy and costs, while also benefitting the environment by reducing emission of greenhouse gases. She urged all citizens of Patiala to make the city as well as Punjab energy efficient by availing the benefits that these appliances provide.

A Venu Prasad (IAS), Principal Secretary, Power, Punjab Government-cum-CMD, PSPCL and PSTCL, said: “The Ujala scheme launch in Patiala will play an important role in future energy demand management in Punjab”.

He appealed to the ESSI to make aggressive campaign in the rural areas of the state so that rural consumers could reduce their electricity bills by 50 per cent. He said this scheme had already been implemented in 7 districts of Punjab.

RP Pandove, Director Administration, PSPCL, highlighted various aspects of the Ujala scheme for the welfare of electricity consumers of the Punjab.

Raj Kumar Rakhra, National Programme Manager (UJALA), EESL, said: “We are proud to launch the distribution of energy efficient appliances under the UJALA scheme in Patiala. We will like to express our gratitude to the PSPCL for its relentless support in ensuring that the scheme is a success in the state. We are certain that consumers will participate wholeheartedly in the scheme to ensure that India becomes a global energy efficiency role model.”