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There is a need to increase retail marketing of LED bulbs at affordable rates for consumers, Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal advised manufacturers on Wednesday.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark 3 crore bulbs being distributed by Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) under the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme, Goyal said, “I hope the industry has ideas to increase retail marketing of LED bulbs; otherwise, EESL will have to do it and it will become your competitor.”
DELP schemeGoyal also acknowledged that it is time retail level prices of LED bulbs come down as those sold under the DELP scheme are now available at around ₹72.
Under the DELP, EESL is procuring bulbs from manufacturers across the industry at rates lower than that in the retail market. Such bulbs are then distributed to customers with a valid electricity connection. When asked by the Minister on why retail prices are not coming down, the industry pointed to distribution and marketing issues.
“Retail is the next frontier. There are one million retail outlets selling lighting solutions but only 20,000 sell LED lamps. Manufacturing cost of LED bulbs is now almost equal to CFL bulbs. But now, the issue of distribution needs to be addressed,” said Harsh Chitale, Chief Executive Officer, Philips Lighting Solutions.
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