Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Switching to energy-efficient lighting is a simple way for households to reduce electricity consumption and save money on power bills. To make this change easier and more affordable, the Government of India launched the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) Scheme on 5 January 2015. The scheme encourages households to use energy-efficient LED bulbs, tube lights and fans instead of less efficient alternatives. According to official figures reported in January 2025, the programme had distributed 36.87 crore LED bulbs and helped save an estimated 47,883 million units of electricity every year, with annual electricity bill savings estimated at ₹19,153 crore.

UJALA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, in coordination with state electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs). The programme was earlier known as the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP). By purchasing products in bulk through competitive bidding, UJALA aims to make energy-efficient appliances more affordable. It is a zero-subsidy programme, so buyers should not expect the products to be provided free of cost.

One of the main benefits of the UJALA Scheme is that LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs while providing similar lighting. This can help households reduce power consumption, manage electricity expenses and contribute to lower peak electricity demand and carbon emissions. The prices reported by the government in January 2025 were ₹70 for a 9W LED bulb, ₹220 for a 20W LED tube light and ₹1,110 for an energy-efficient fan. These are historical reported prices, so check the current price and availability before purchasing.

The scheme is intended for households with a metered electricity connection from their local electricity distribution company. The general eligibility criteria do not restrict participation to a particular income group or caste. However, the availability of UJALA products and distribution counters may differ by location, so it is advisable to check the latest information before planning a visit.

Households interested in buying products under the scheme can check the official UJALA dashboard for available information about distribution. Products have historically been sold through designated counters, with payment options depending on local arrangements. The published UJALA helpline is 1800-180-3580, but its current operating status should be confirmed before relying on it.

Households looking for other ways to improve access to electricity or reduce their power bills may also find the Saubhagya – Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana useful for information about household electricity connections. Those interested in generating their own electricity through rooftop solar panels can explore the PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme.

Scheme Benefits

The UJALA Scheme encourages households to switch to energy-efficient lighting and appliances, helping them save electricity and reduce their power bills. Its main benefits include:

• Households can access energy-efficient LED bulbs, LED tube lights and energy-efficient fans through designated scheme distribution centres, subject to availability.
• LED bulbs use up to 90% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs while providing comparable light.
• A 7W LED bulb can provide light similar to a 60W incandescent bulb, helping households reduce electricity consumption.
• Using energy-efficient lighting can help lower monthly electricity bills over time.
• The scheme uses bulk procurement and competitive bidding to make eligible products more affordable.
• Households with a metered electricity connection can benefit without an income-based or caste-based eligibility restriction stated in the scheme information.
• Reduced electricity consumption helps lower peak power demand and carbon emissions.
• As reported in January 2025, the programme had distributed 36.87 crore LED bulbs and was estimated to save 47,883 million units of electricity annually.

UJALA Scheme LED Bulb Price List

One of the main attractions of the UJALA Scheme is its focus on making energy-efficient lighting products more affordable for households. According to the Government of India's official update published in January 2025, the reported prices of products distributed under the scheme were as follows:

The UJALA Scheme uses competitive procurement to help keep product prices affordable. It is a zero-subsidy programme, so buyers should not assume that the listed products are free. Confirm the applicable price and payment options before making a purchase.

How Much Electricity Can You Save with UJALA LED Bulbs?

LED bulbs can provide similar lighting while using much less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. This means households can reduce their electricity consumption without giving up the lighting they need for everyday activities.

According to the Government of India's UJALA programme information, a 7W LED bulb can provide light comparable to a 14W compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or a 60W incandescent bulb. The following comparison shows the approximate electricity consumption of these bulbs over 140 hours of use.

For the same 140 hours of use, a 7W LED bulb consumes around 90% less electricity than a 60W incandescent bulb and about 50% less than a 14W CFL. Actual savings depend on how long the bulb is used, the appliance's actual power consumption and the electricity tariff charged by the local distribution company.

Replacing several traditional bulbs with LEDs can increase the savings over time. This is why the UJALA Scheme promotes energy-efficient lighting as a practical way for households to manage electricity use and reduce their bills.

Eligibility Requirements

The UJALA Scheme is intended to help households switch to energy-efficient lighting and appliances. The main eligibility requirements are simple:

• The applicant must be a household with a metered electricity connection from the local electricity distribution company (DISCOM).
• Households are not required to belong to a specific income group or caste to qualify under the general scheme criteria.
• Applicants should check whether UJALA products are available through designated distribution counters in their area.
• If purchasing products through an instalment option, applicants may need to provide their latest electricity bill and a valid government-issued photo ID, depending on the local arrangement.
• For an upfront purchase, a government-issued photo ID may be required, as specified by the local distribution arrangements.

Availability and purchase requirements may vary by location. Check the official UJALA dashboard before visiting a distribution counter.

Required Documents

If you want to purchase LED bulbs or other energy-efficient products under the UJALA Scheme, you may need to provide a few basic documents. The requirements can depend on the payment method available in your area.

• A valid government-issued photo identity card.
• Your latest electricity bill, if you choose an instalment payment option where available.

Steps to Apply

The UJALA Scheme does not generally require a lengthy application process. If you want to purchase energy-efficient LED bulbs or other eligible products through the programme, follow these steps to check availability and find a designated distribution counter.

• Open the official UJALA dashboard to check the available scheme information and look for a distribution counter near your location.
• Check whether the counter is currently operating and which products are available before travelling there.
• Visit the designated counter and ask about the available LED bulbs, tube lights or energy-efficient fans, along with their current prices.
• Carry a valid government-issued photo ID. If an instalment payment option is available, you may also need to show your latest electricity bill.
• Choose the product you need and complete the purchase using the payment method offered at that counter.
• Keep your purchase receipt and any warranty information provided with the product for future reference.

Please note that UJALA products have historically been sold through designated distribution counters rather than ordinary retail shops. However, current availability may vary by location, so confirm the details before visiting. For assistance, you can try the published EESL helpline at 1800-180-3580.

How to Find a UJALA Scheme Distribution Centre

If you want to purchase LED bulbs, tube lights or energy-efficient fans through the UJALA Scheme, check the available scheme information before visiting a distribution centre. Product distribution may vary by location, and historical programme figures do not necessarily mean that counters are currently operating everywhere.

• Open the official UJALA dashboard to look for scheme information and any available details about distribution centres.
• Check whether the website provides current information for your area. If no local details are listed, do not assume that a nearby counter is active.
• Contact Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), the agency responsible for implementing the programme, to ask about current product availability and the nearest designated distribution point.
• Before travelling, confirm the counter's address, operating hours, available products, current prices and accepted payment methods.
• Carry a government-issued photo ID and, if required for an available instalment option, your latest electricity bill.

The published UJALA helpline is 1800-180-3580. As this number comes from earlier scheme information, confirm that it is still active before relying on it. You can also check EESL's official website for current contact information.

Important: The UJALA dashboard and published contact details are useful starting points, but current distribution-centre availability could not be confirmed for every location. Always verify the details before visiting or planning a purchase.

Relevant Links

• Ministry of Power, Government of India
• Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) Official Website
• Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) Scheme Dashboard
• Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) Scheme : Official Government Update
• EESL Consumer Complaint Portal
• Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)

Contact Information

Department: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India

• Phone: 08366670840 / 08363520500 (consumer complaints; published service hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Energy Efficiency Services Limited, NFL Building, 5th & 6th Floor, Core–III, SCOPE Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi–110003.
• Online complaints: EESL Consumer Complaint Portal

For UJALA product-related complaints, contact EESL using the details above. As distribution arrangements may change, confirm the current availability of scheme products through the official UJALA dashboard before visiting a counter.