Energy efficient appliances to be in petrol pumps soon

More than 55,000 petrol pumps across the country will sell LED bulbs and other energy efficient appliances under UJALA scheme of the government, said union minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with oil marketing companies (OMCs) — IOCL, BPCL and HPCL.

As per the deal, OMCs will distribute energy efficient appliances under the flagship Unnat Jeevan by affordable LEDs and appliances for All (UJALA) scheme. The distribution of these energy efficient appliances will be conducted in a phased manner across these select outlets. In the first phase, distribution will commence from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

In his speech, Pradhan said, “It is the vision of the Government of India to reduce our dependence on import of energy by up to 10 per cent. The petrol pumps owned by the three oil marketing companies can boast of a very high footfall. It is a great opportunity for the two departments to come together and utilise this network for ensuring LED bulbs and tubelights reach every corner of our country.”

Pradhan urged EESL and OMCs to bring about a viable business model for the retail outlets (RO) in the next six months. The OMCs will help in branding and marketing of the UJALA Scheme at all their retail outlets thereby making the petrol pumps attractive. The RO dealers will directly do business with EESL and would get about 10 per cent margin.

The OMCs have also been tying up with other stakeholders to bring about an ecosystem of non-fuel retail business at retail outlets. Pilot launch of tie up with Mother Dairy Safal outlets have been carried out in Bhubaneshwar wherein customers get fresh and quality vegetables and fruits at affordable rates at the petrol stations. BPCL has also carried out tie up with In and Out retail chain at their ROs. HPCL is also in the process of tying up with retail chains.