Govt to distribute 8.15m CFLs in two months

The government will distribute some 8.15 million compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) free of cost across the country within the next two months under the 2nd phase of Efficient Lighting Initiatives for Bangladesh (ELIB).

1st phase of Bulb distribution

In the 1st phase of the World Bank-financed project, the government distributed around 10.5 million CFLs in 27 districts of the country from June 2010 to March this year.

With the free distribution of the energy efficient bulbs, the Power Division could save at least 154 MW of electricity a day, sources said.

“We will issue distribution order within two months after the approval of the cabinet committee on purchase to the proposal of the Rural Electrification Board and four power distribution companies,” said a senior official of the division.

After distribution of the compact fluorescent lamps under the 2nd phase, the government would be able to save more electricity, he said.

The Power Division proposal to procure 8.15 million CFLs will be approved by the cabinet committee on purchase, without holding a meeting with ministers and state ministers of the concerned ministries for time constraints, the sources said.

“The government has already destroyed 80 million normal bulbs for distributing CFLs across the country under the ELIB project,” Power Division Secretary Abul Kalam Azad said in the proposal.

He also said it would also demolish 70 million more pieces of traditional candescent bulbs within a short time.

“The government is likely to receive 17 million Euros from the foreign donors for implementation of CFL distribution project under international carbon credit initiatives,” he pointed out.

Earlier, the government planned to distribute CFLs to replace the traditional incandescent bulbs to save electricity.

As per the proposal, the lowest bidders of the tenders are Chinese companies Xiamen Topstar Lighting and Xiamen Gold Union Industrial.

The two companies will supply the 8.15 million CFLs at a cost of Tk 525.4 million.

Xiamen Topstar Lighting will supply 4.075 million CFLs for Tk 264.4 million while Xiamen Gold Union Industrial will supply the rest at a cost of Tk 261 million.

A competent source said that a close relative of State Minister for Power and Energy has been representing the two Chinese companies in Bangladesh.
News Source:
The Daily Sun