DHAKA, Bangladesh, Nov 25 (BSS) - The installation programme of the
Compact Florescent Lights (CFLs) in the capital is gradually getting popularity as these bulbs are expected to reduce electricity bills to a large extent.

Dhaka Power Distribution Company limited (DPDC), a company under power division of energy ministry, has started free distribution of the CFLs at the onset of this month under a pilot project dubbed 'Installation of Energy Savings Bulbs'.

GTZ, the German development support agency, has provided one lakh EURO to the local Manufacturer for producing the bulb.

"Initially the CFL will replace the incandescent bulbs (conventional) in the city's some selected areas under Rajarbagh division and it is to be expanded after increase of popularity of the bulbs. The bulbs have already got huge positive response from the public", said Sazzad Hossain, manager (technical) of the DPDC told BSS today.

Earlier, a need-assessment survey was carried out in two
steps to identify the requirement of CFL bulbs among the
consumers, he said adding that the CFL is being distributed to
them as per the database of the survey.

Under the pilot project, Sazzad said, the DPDC will install
17,000 pieces of 23 Watt CFL and 6,000 pieces of 14 Watt CFL
among its consumers along with 23,000 electronic ballasts. The
CFLs will help save 30 percent energy.

JHM Group, a company has been given distribution task of the
CFLs, sources said, the customers are enthusiastically receiving
the CFLs as they believe that the CFL will reduce their
electricity bills after its replacement.

Fahim Ibne Jangir, director of the JHM Group, said they are
getting overwhelming support from the city dwellers and group is
facing difficulties in some cases in the distribution since some
dwellers are demanding extra CFLs more then their needs.

"If the replacement save energy and a cost-effective solution
why should we not use it" Najjmunnahar Nipa, residing in the
city's Shahjahanpur area, said this while taking to the news
agency about popularity of the CFLs. CFL will save 200 to 300 MW
of electricity.