Zim handing out energy saving bulbs
Sapa-AFP | 15 August, 2011 10:55
Zimbabwe’s electricity authority is to hand out 5.5 million energy-saving
fluorescent bulbs to its consumers in a bid to curb consumption.
“We will give the compact fluorescent lamps for free in exchange for
incandescent bulbs which we will destroy,” Zimbabwe Electricity Supply
Authority (ZESA) spokesman Fullard Gwasira was quoted as saying by The
Herald newspaper.
“This is an immediate term response to relieve our clients from
load-shedding.”
Gwasira said the compact florescent lamps to be distributed by year-end at a
cost of $12 million will save 200 megawatts of electricity.
He allayed fears that the energy-saving bulbs have health side effects as
they contain mercury saying “there are no adverse effects if properly used.”
ZESA will also introduce a new billing system for consumers who have been
paying bills based on estimates.
“The prepayment metering system will enable customers to manage their own
consumption of electricity,” Gwasira said.
Zimbabwe has been battling to produce enough electricity at its main power
stations Kariba Hydro and Hwange thermal power stations resulting in massive
powercuts lasting up to 10 hours in some cases.
The country requires 2,200 MW per month but it can only produce 1,300 MW,
topping up with imports from the Democratic Republic of Congo.