29.6.2008

ImageFour million electricity consumers will receive high quality Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) at reasonable rates from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) before November this year, according to Power and Energy Minister, John Seneviratne.

The bulbs will be distributed in keeping with the National Energy Conservation Program (NECP) under the supervision of the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) and CEB area offices and the outlets which will be approved by the SEA.

"We have not yet decided whether the cost of these bulbs will be deducted in installments from the monthly bills of consumers," the minister said.

Outlining the Government's Electricity Conservation program, the Minister said that steps have already been taken to ban the use of street lights in certain Local Government divisions which did not adhere to the CEB directive of switching off street lights after 6.00 a.m. daily.

Minister Seneviratne also said the Rs. 150 million loss which is currently incurred by the CEB to provide electricity to religious institutions countrywide with a 30 per cent special discount will not be curtailed under any circumstances.