Financial and energy impacts of compact fluorescent light bulbs in a rural setting

Within the context of a national campaign to replace GLS with CFLs, a pilot study was undertaken in Niha, Lebanon to replace around 1000 light bulbs. This paper reports on the detailed savings actually obtained by this project. Energy savings were found to be 8.3%. The obtained savings were lower than the theoretical savings expected mainly due to apparent lower time of use than expected prompting a more moderate advertised yearly savings. The beneficiaries’ attitude towards CFLs was assessed and the results indicate a general satisfaction and willingness to purchase CFLs. One major drawback has been the dissatisfaction with light intensity. The impact of the campaign on other village residents was assessed and the campaign was successful in convincing one third of the population to install CFLs and two thirds said that they intend to buy CFLs in the future. A new approach in the campaign for CFL promotion is suggested.