B3.3bn allocated to replace 200m light bulbs

B3.3bn allocated to replace 200m light bulbs

YUTHANA PRIWAN

The Energy Conservation Fund has allocated 3.3 billion baht to replace all 200 million fluorescent lights nationwide with new thinner fluorescent T5 bulbs that consume 40% less power.

Thirty-two private firms, state enterprises and state agencies have joined the programme to change 1.2 million units in offices and factories. The programme aims to save 2,000 megawatts of power every year, valued at 25 billion baht. This would save 15 billion baht per year of imported fuel and cut carbon dioxide emissions by five tonnes.

The budget, managed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), will be used mainly to subsidise T5 bulb prices by 62%. The bulbs cost 500 baht each, or 100% more than traditional lamps. Under the subsidy regime, the bulbs would retail for 190 baht.

Asian Industry Light Co, Toshiba Lighting co, Lampton Lighting co and Lee Kij Chareon Seang co are already registered as Egat's T5 suppliers.

The T5 replacement programme starts today and will run until the end of 2011.

The largest buyers of T5s would be PTT Plc with 422,000 units, Siam Cement Group with 200,000, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Thailand Post Co acquiring 100,000 each.

Applicants approved under the programme can pay for T5 bulbs through monthly installments within two years, interest free. For more information, call Egat at 02-436 8222 during office hours.