<p>India, one of the fastest-growing economies, faces a rapidly increasing energy demand, predominantly met by hydrocarbon-based sources. This dependence leads to high carbon emissions, posing significant environmental challenges. While global initiatives emphasize the role of energy efficiency (EE) and sustainable energy sources in reducing emissions, there is limited research focusing on real-world implementation and performance, particularly at the local level in developing nations like India. This study aims to address this research gap by evaluating the Street Lighting National Programme through a case study of LED-based public lighting projects in Maharashtra. Specifically, it investigates the energy savings, emission reductions, and financial impacts in two urban local bodies (ULBs): Hingna and Wadi in Nagpur district. Using a field-level implementation perspective, the study employs data analysis on energy consumption patterns before and after the LED retrofit. It proposes the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) to enhance the accuracy of project management, measurement, and verification processes. Key findings show a 35.39% reduction in energy consumption at Hingna and a 49.13% reduction at Wadi post-LED installation, along with a substantial increase in power factor from 0.5 to 0.8 for conventional lights to over 0.95 for LED lights. These results highlight the technical and financial viability of EE projects in reducing both energy consumption and carbon emissions. The implications of this study suggest that large-scale EE initiatives, coupled with emerging technologies like DLT, can significantly contribute to India’s carbon reduction goals, providing a scalable model for other developing nations seeking to achieve similar outcomes.</p>