Ban on incandescent bulbs to start on April 1
Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Daryl Vaz has confirmed that all is in place to implement the ministry’s plans to phase-out the importation, export, manufacture, distribution, and sale or purchase of incandescent light bulbs, starting April 1.
Following full implementation, energy efficient light-emitting diode (LED) will replace the less efficient incandescent bulbs for most household and business needs.
“This switch will greatly benefit Jamaica in more ways than one. Jamaicans who switch from incandescent bulbs to LED can save up to 80 per cent of their lighting-related electricity costs, which can translate to light bill savings,” said Vaz.
According to Vaz, the phase-out could save Jamaicans $1.44 billion cumulatively on utility bills in the first year.
He noted that besides savings, the policy would lead to other benefits for Jamaica, including progress towards a more sustainable energy future.
“LED light bulbs have a longer lamp life, meaning Jamaicans will have fewer light bulb replacements. You can also save money if incandescent bulbs used in appliances can be changed to LED. We also expect to see reduced levels of electricity theft in areas where consumers are not JPS’ registered account holders.”
While the phase-out of incandescent bulb imports will begin on April 1 this year, businesses are being allowed until April 1, 2024 to deplete their existing inventory of incandescent light bulbs before complying with the new regulations.
The draft regulations do not include fines for continuing to sell or purchase incandescent light bulbs during the first year after publication.
However, the regulations contemplate fines or imprisonment for contravening the phase-out of standard incandescent light bulbs after April 1, 2024, which will be finalised following review by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.
Not only has the Cabinet approved the phase-out of incandescent light bulbs, but they are also allowing for the implementation of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for lighting technologies ranging from 25 lumens per watt on April 1, 2023 to 75 lumens per watt on April 1, 2027.
“This also aligns us with Caricom. MEPS will promote energy efficiency and act as an assurance of quality to protect consumers from underperforming products,” stated Vaz.
