The import and local manufacture of incandescent (normal) bulbs of 75W and above will be banned within the month of July while promoting the use of CFL bulbs in a bid to reduce power consumption, according to the state-run Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA). However industry officials are sceptical whether the traditional bulb could be replaced given its presence in the world for over 100 years, and also raised concerns about proper disposal of used CFL bulbs which has a mercury content.

Cabinet approval for this has already been obtained and the regulations will be gazetted within this month, Chairman of the Authority Ananda Gunasekera said. He could not give a specific date when the ban will be enforced but said it would effective when the gazette regulation, published under the Sustainable Energy Authority Act no 35 of 2007, comes out. A complete ban of the incandescent variety of bulbs will come into effect in 2010. Under these regulations bulbs will also have to be marked with the energy rating that will be issued by the SEA after tests carried out on samples by SLS. This rating process, which was voluntary until now, has been made mandatory by the new regulations and violators will be blacklisted and prevented from importing hereafter.

Speaking to The Sunday Times FT, Mr Gunasekera said that this will help reduce the demand on electricity, especially during the peak time between 6 pm and 9.30 pm. He said that they will popularise CFL bulbs and reduce power consumption during this period. Currently CFL penetration is at 50% in urban areas and 30% in rural areas.

The country’s power expenditure on thermal power is approximately Rs 83 billion while a total of 9814 GWh of power is being generated annually from all sources. According to the SEA Chairman, up to Rs 12 billion and 400 MWh (1 GWh = 1,000 MWh) could be saved when the 2010 ban on incandescent bulbs takes effect. This is a saving of 14.5% of the country’s power bill.

Some of the main problems with popularising CFL is the high initial cost, and Mr Gunesekera said that a request has been made to importers to provide customers with CFL bulbs at a reasonable price. When asked about any concessions that the government is giving to encourage the purchase of these bulbs, he said that proposals have been made to waive the duty and VAT on imported CFL, but that approval has not yet been obtained. US – different states different times – californai by 2018, canada – 2012, Italy 2010, UK 2011,

The Sunday Times FT also spoke to some of the leading importers of CFL into Sri Lanka and received a mixed reaction to the move to popularise CFL, with some describing it as timely and good while others were concern about the environmental impact from CFL bulbs.

Janaka Kiridena of Phillips Lighting was of the view that it is a good move from a national and energy conservation point of view as the country is going through a power crisis. Speaking about the impact it will have on the company’s sales, he predicted an initial dip because a good CFL is around five times the price of an incandescent bulb unless the government introduces some sort of subsidy. Mr Kiridena pointed out that although the initial cost will be high, since CFLs are more efficient that normal incandescent bulbs, consumers will be able save up to 80% of the lighting component of their electricity bill but he added that the public should be informed about this benefit.

Abdul Zubair, Chief Operating Officer of Orange Electric said there won’t be much of an impact on the sales as any decline in the sale of incandescent bulbs will be compensated by a rise on the sale of CFL bulbs but pointed at the serious health hazard that will arise unless steps are not taken to dispose of burnt out CFL bulbs. Mr Zubair also seemed unsure as to whether CFL bulbs can perform optimally under the voltage conditions in Sri Lanka, saying that a CFL needs at least 170 volts to burn its lifetime but it is below 200 volts even in Colombo in spite of a promised voltage of 230. “This will be difficult in rural areas because of the voltage fluctuations,” he added.

Mr Zubair said in about five years there would be a severe problem. “Incandescent lamps have been in existence for over a 100 years and during that time more efficient lamps have come, but none of them has managed to replace it,” he said. The problem will arise when burnt out CFLs which are not properly disposed of break, releasing mercury into the environment at garbage dumps, etc.

Both Mr Zubair and Mr Kiridena stressed the need for a disposal mechanism which will ensure the safe disposal of burnt-out CFLs.

Deputy Director General of the SEA Harsha Wickremasinghe told The Sunday Times FT that there are plans for a centralized disposal mechanism and also a rebate for the consumer when old bulbs are returned. Mr Wickramasinghe also added that two manufacturers have shown willingness to repair or even upgrade the electronic component of the broken CFL bulb. Public awareness on how to handle broken bulbs will be part of the media campaign promoting CFLs, he said.

Tips on CFLs
The government will be introducing a ban on incandescent bulbs over 75W from this month with plans to totally ban incandescents by 2010. Listed below are a few tips are a few ways in which the lifetime of the CFL can be maximized:

- To best work within the limitations of the bulb, install them in rooms where you easily spend at least 15 ‘lit’ minutes, as it takes about that time to provide light properly.

- The five highest-use fixtures in a home are typically the kitchen ceiling lights, the living or family room table and floor lamps, and outdoor porch or post lamp.

- CFLs perform best in open fixtures that allow airflow, such as table and floor lamps, wall sconces, pendants, and outdoor fixtures.

- CFLs are designed for usage for a half hour or more. The longer they’re left on, the longer their life. Their life is reduced (they don’t last as long) when they’re turned on and off frequently. Therefore, for closets and other places where lights are only needed for minutes at a time, it is recommended incandescent bulbs be used. In those cases, the energy savings may not outweigh the cost of the shortened life.

- It is not recommended that you use CFLs in an enclosed indoor ceiling fixture unless they are designed for that purpose. Because these fixtures don't have any airflow, the temperature of the light bulb gets very warm, and the life of the average CFL is shortened.

Safety
If a CFL breaks inside your home, you should open a window immediately, leave the room for 15 minutes or more, then return and carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with a stiff paper and put them in a sealed plastic bag. Use disposable rubber gloves, then wipe the area clean with damp paper towels and dispose of the gloves and paper towels in the sealed bag also. Do not use a vacuum or sweep to clean up the broken bulb.

- Store new, unused CFLs in the store packaging or a box to prevent breakage before use.
- Always screw and unscrew the bulb from the base (not the glass).
Never forcefully twist the CFL into a light sockdt.