Caribbean Net News: Energy saving bulbs for all Dominicans

ROSEAU, Dominica: A programme by government to reduce the cost of power is ongoing through the replacement of light bulbs in households around Dominica, through assistance by the Cuban government.

Energy Minister Reginald Austrie says that the 280,000 energy saving bulbs will be placed by Cuban social workers who arrived specifically for the task this week, will make a significant difference in electricity costs here.

�The regular ordinary bulbs we use now are high energy consuming bulbs because of the amount of heat that they generate. We�re hoping that if we can succeed in replacing those bulbs, the consumer should be able to realise a reduction.

�We�re seeking to change every single bulb in every single household all along the country. We�re beginning in the Carib Territory.

�I don�t know how much but we should be able to see a reduction in the cost of our electricity bills at the end of the month,� Austrie announced this week.

The social workers will be accompanied by Dominicans and will travel to communities� island wide replacing bulbs in each household free of charge.

Austrie says that if the 280,000 bulbs are not sufficient, the Cuban government will provide more to the people of Dominica.

Austrie added that the government, in its forthcoming electricity policy may implement a strategy for the sustainable continuation of the programme which could involve banning the importation of high energy consuming bulbs.

�Government might have to take by policy, a position on how to ensure that the merchants can import those bulbs and at what cost those bulbs will be sold to the general public.

�We need to find a way to make that programme sustainable,� Austrie noted.

The Energy Minister also added that a team of French consultants will be arriving here on February 9, to explore geothermal energy resources.

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