One of the simplest ways of reducing domestic electrical energy consumption is to replace incandescent light bulbs with the more modern energy saving lamps. Although the latter are more expensive, the reduced energy costs could provide a reasonable payback time, together with a reduction in electricity costs for the same illuminating power.

It is for this reason that a trial has been suggested with 25 households in Rodrigues to demonstrate that changing to energy saving lamps is worthwhile not only from an energy saving point of view, but also attractive to householders in terms of cost saving. This pilot project forms part of a bigger initiative titled ?Domestic Energy Savings in Rodrigues? which has been partly funded by the GEF/SGP of UNDP.

1. From the overall analyses, there is no doubt that the households would financially benefit from the energy saving programme. An average saving of 30% of the monthly electricity bill is a very considerable amount taking into consideration the socio-economic conditions of the households in Rodrigues. The rational households would easily be tempted by the programme but they would equally be interested by the cost of their involvement. Taking into account the cost of the energy saving lamps and the resulting savings, with a payback period of between 2 to 6 months for the majority of the households in the sample, the programme still looks very much plausible for the households.
2. The scheme may not be very attractive to some consumers, if the cost of power for lighting is relatively low compared with the total power cost.
3. The method of replacing energy saving lamps when they finally fail, needs careful thought. If local suppliers are involved there may be opportunity for corruption, should the replacement be improperly regulated. If the customers are left to purchase the replacement bulbs themselves, they may be tempted to revert to incandescent bulbs because of the lower cost.
4. The charge for the replacement bulbs might be regarded as a sort of hire charge.
5. The relatively slow start to give light of the energy efficient lamps may not be acceptable to some consumers.
6. Low usage may mean that the saving is not very apparent and therefore not worthwhile; especially with the surcharge to pay for the lamps.

4. CONCLUSION

Although the energy saving and the associated cost saving are relatively modest, it is worth carrying out the demonstration with the households surveyed, in order to obtain experience and determine whether or not, the idea is worth extending to the whole of Rodrigues. The demonstration will highlight difficulties of acceptance, as well as practical problems for the implementation of the scheme on the wider scale.

5. THE WAY FORWARD

The financial gains from prospective replacement of incandescent bulbs by energy saving lamps have been identified, A total of 43 bulbs in the 40W category should be replaced. This amount stands at 41 for the 60W category. Since only two households reported the use of 50W bulbs, only two of this will be replaced. With an average of 3 bulbs per house to be replaced, a total of 86 bulbs will be changed in favour of energy saving lamps.