2 crore LED bulbs distributed: How DELP is helping save the govt Rs 2.9 crore a day

New Delhi: By now, you probably know that LEDs have an impressive lifespan and are very cost-effective!

If you haven't, you must have come across government-sponsored LED distribution programme, which outlines the replacement of incandescent bulbs and CFLs with energy-efficient LED lamps.

The LED push, under the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme, was launched full swing across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh by PM Modi in January. This scheme was aimed at minimising the carbon footprint and also reducing peak power demand by close to 700 MW through lower energy consumption. Here are the key points you should know:

• Under this scheme, the government data showed that more than 2 crore subsidized LED bulbs have been distributed till Thursday evening.
• This helps in daily energy savings of 73 lakh units, which translates into Rs 2.9 crore a day (Annual savings of over Rs 1,000 crore)
• A staggering 68 lakh kilowatts of energy is saved every day.
• The project aims at replacing 77 crore regular bulbs and 40 crore CFLs with more energy efficient LED lamps.
• Andhra Pradesh is currently way ahead of the pack with 65 lakh bulbs, followed by Delhi at a little under 34 lakh and Uttar Pradesh at 33 lakh. 

Why you should switch to LED too?

An incandescent bulb requires 60 watts of power to emit 350-400 lumen of light (unit of light) while CFLs with its hazardous mercury coat exing emit 450-550 lumen of light on 14-16 watts. In sharp contrast, LEDs cast 600-700 lumen, consuming just 6 watts of power and saving 90% more energy than regular bulbs.