Ministry of the Environment Launches Nationwide Light Bulb Campaign

Monday (May 2) marked the official, nationwide launch of the Ministry of the Environment’s Energy Efficiency in Residential Lighting Programme. This initiative seeks to reduce household energy costs, minimize the energy requirements of BEC, and reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuels. The Ministry plans to distribute 270,000 compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs along with brochures about the benefits of CFLs.

Residents in Central and North Andros received CFLs yesterday (Monday, May 2).  The programme heads to Abaco today (Tuesday, May 3). CFLs will be distributed in Inagua, Acklins, Cat Island, Berry Islands, Mangrove Cay, San Salvador, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, Bimini and South Andros on Wednesday (May 4). On Thursday (May 5), CFLs will be distributed in Eleuthera, and on Friday (May 6) in Exuma and Long Island.

“We are very thankful to the people in Andros for their support and interest in this programme of national significance.  It’s only fitting that we begin in Andros. which has a very large potential for renewable energy,” said Hon. Phenton Neymour, Minister of State, Ministry of The Environment.

According to Robert Hall, Project Manager of the Programme, “A study conducted by German consultants, Fichtner identified potential for renewable energy throughout The Bahamas. It also revealed that small hotels in the Family Islands, for example, have a great potential for savings through energy efficiency. However, whether in a small, medium or large hotel, or a home for that matter, potential savings in lighting is one area they all have in common. We know that CFLs use 75 per cent less energy compared to incandescent bulbs. So it’s important for us to recognize the potential for saving in the area of lighting,” Mr. Hall added.

Electricity customers who use under 600 kWh (kilowatt hours) of energy per month, on average, are invited to exchange up to five incandescent bulbs for free CFLs. Letters have been prepared for each eligible customer, so interested persons can contact their local BEC offices to find out if they qualify to receive these bulbs.  Residents can call their local islands administrator for more information regarding pickup locations.

While island launches occur this week, CFLs will be available throughout May, as long as supplies last. Distribution of CFLs began on April 9 with promotional exercises at several New Providence locations, including A F Adderley Junior High School, Golden Gates Community Park, Pinewood Gardens, and the Elizabeth Estates, Windsor, and Christie parks.

“The response was overwhelming. The programme was well received. The public in most cases were very eager to exchange their bulbs,” Mr. Hall said of that event.
This Energy Efficiency Programme is funded by a grant from the Inter-American Bank (IDB) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This is the first of three energy-saving initiatives planned for 2011. In coming months, persons will be selected to receive 100 solar water heaters for their homes. In another programme, 33 Solar Photo Voltaic (PV) Systems will be offered. Consumers will be required to only pay the installation costs.