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Greenpeace criticizes power ministry's unwillingness to ban the bulb in India

Points out how India can learn from Ghana's CFL program

August 28, 2007

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Greenpeace volunteers handover a token of appreciation to the Ghana High Commission in New Delhi, congratulating the government of Ghana on its proactive decision to implement a CFL exchange program.

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New Delhi, India — Greenpeace today criticized the power ministry's decision to not introduce a legislation to ban the light bulb in India by 2010. Greenpeace was reacting to the letter issued by the ministry in response to Greenpeace's proposal for legislation for progressive efficiency threshold for appliances in the lighting sector. Reacting to the ministry's statement that a legislation to ban the light bulb in India is premature, Greenpeace pointed out how the government of Ghana is taking key measures to implement a complete ban on the light bulb in the country. Greenpeace congratulated the government of Ghana for being proactive in addressing the issue of energy efficiency in the lighting sector and organized a brief event close to the Ghana Embassy in New Delhi on the occasion. K Srinivas, Greenpeace climate and energy expert said "It is very disappointing to learn that the Indian government is unwilling to introduce a legislation to ban the incandescent light bulb in India in the near future while being fully aware of the impending threat of climate change and energy crisis. If a poor country like Ghana, with a GDP per capita (PPP) of USD 2600 can take strident measures to ensure that the incandescent light bulb is completely removed, why is it not possible for a rapidly developing economy like ours with a GDP per capita (PPP) of USD 3700 to be proactive in reducing CO2 emissions by taking such a simple step?".

The primary concern about banning the light bulb, as stated in the response letter issued by the power ministry to Greenpeace is the existent price difference between the incandescent light bulb and the compact fluroscent lamp. According to the power ministry, banning the light bulb cannot be considered before the price of a CFL is made comparable with that of an incandescent light bulb. Greenpeace points out that if Ghana has successfully implemented schemes to ensure distribution of CLFs at no extra cost, so can India. According to Greenpeace, it is possible to introduce effective schemes for leasing and distribution so that Indians who cannot afford CFLs at their current price can obtain them free of cost.

Greenpeace is asking the Government to initiate a legislative process to implement progressive efficiency thresholds in the lighting sector and phase out the incandescent light bulb no later than the year 2010.

The response to the letter from the power ministry is attached as annexure. A copy of the letter issued by the power ministry will be available on request.

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Response to the letter of Ministry of Power
August 29, 2007

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K Srinivas, Climate and Energy Expert, Greenpeace - +91-9845112130 Ruchira Talukdar - Greenpeace India Communications- +91-9900264127 Additional information about Ghana's CFL program can be found at www.allafrica.com/stories/200708230264.html