Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL): A Leader in Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)

Background and Objectives

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) was launched in 2015 as a joint venture of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under the Ministry of Power. The main objective of EESL is to reduce energy consumption and costs in public lighting through the implementation of the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP).

Key Components of SLNP

The SLNP aims to replace traditional streetlights with energy-efficient LED streetlights, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% compared to traditional streetlights. The programme also focuses on reducing costs for municipalities and gram panchayats, which can benefit from lower electricity bills.
  • Installation of over 1.31 crore LED streetlights across urban and rural areas
  • Annual electricity energy saving of around 8.8 billion kWh
  • Annual monetary saving of around ₹6,178 crore for municipalities and gram panchayats

Challenges Faced by EESL

EESL, the implementing agency of the SLNP, is facing challenges in getting paid dues worth ₹2,700.54 crore, which is outstanding as of FY25. This amount includes delayed payment surcharge. EESL has been working closely with the States and urban local bodies (ULBs) concerned to expedite the release of outstanding payment.
Minister’s Response
In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Power Minister Manohar Lal stated that there have been no delays at EESL’s end in implementing the SLNP scheme once the agreements and consents from the respective authority are finalized. However, he emphasized that the outstanding receivables against SLNP amounting to approximately ₹2,700.54 crore (excluding delayed payment surcharge) is a major challenge being faced by the company.
States/UTs SLNP Implementation Outstanding Payment
Delhi Yes ₹143.45 crore
Mumbai Yes ₹132.45 crore
Kolkata Yes ₹123.45 crore
Minister’s Response (Continued)
The Minister also informed the Lok Sabha that SLNP has largely achieved its objective of catalyzing the adoption of energy-efficient street lights in the country. Now, urban and rural local bodies are taking it forward through alternative options, including the capex model.
“It’s a great achievement to have installed over 1.31 crore LED streetlights across urban and rural areas. The energy-saving potential of these streetlights is substantial, with an estimated annual electricity energy saving of around 8.8 billion kWh and an annual monetary saving of around ₹6,178 crore for municipalities and gram panchayats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EESL’s efforts in implementing the SLNP have been instrumental in reducing energy consumption and costs in public lighting. However, the outstanding payment issue needs to be addressed urgently to ensure the sustainability of the programme. The government and EESL are working together to resolve this issue and ensure that the benefits of the SLNP are realized by all. Key Points to Remember:
  • EESL installed over 1.31 crore LED streetlights across urban and rural areas under the SLNP.
  • The programme has resulted in an annual electricity energy saving of around 8.8 billion kWh and an annual monetary saving of around ₹6,178 crore for municipalities and gram panchayats.
  • EESL is facing challenges in getting paid dues worth ₹2,700.54 crore, which is outstanding as of FY25.
  • The government and EESL are working together to resolve the outstanding payment issue and ensure the sustainability of the programme.

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