Spotlight on substandard CFL bulbs

Strict legal action is to be taken against substandard CFL bulb importers, manufactures, distributors and sellers by the Renewable Energy Authority (REA).

The Power and Energy Ministry releasing a media statement noted that according to gazette notification No. 1611/10 on 26 June 2009, legal action will be taken against traders, distributors, local manufacturers and those that sell or stock CFL bulbs which do not carry the Ministry of Power and Energy certification label.

On the instructions of the Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, the CEB, LECO and Renewable Energy Authority will take legal action against those who violate the terms of the Gazette Notification under the Consumer Protection Act.

The statement went onto say that since 2009 the REA has conducted seminars countrywide to create awareness of the importance of using high standard CFL bulbs.

If substandard CFL bulbs are used, the electricity saving expected from them does not happen and the consumers will be misdirected, the statement remarked adding that the lack of the certification label can warn consumers that the product they are purchasing is substandard.

“Selling uncertified CFL bulbs in the market can result in people being led astray and also losing faith in the technology. Therefore the REA seeks the assistance of the public in bringing these unscrupulous traders to book,” the statement said. The public can call 1901 to register their complaints or call 0112 677445 during office hours, to obtain more information on the certification label system as well as on conserving electricity.