DOHA: Ban on sale and import of incandescent Tungsten light bulbs (75 and 100 Watts) comes into force today as part of the ongoing national campaign to rationalise consumption of electricity in Qatar.
The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) said yesterday that it has successfully enforced the ban through Tarsheed, the National Program of Conservation and Energy Efficiency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and other entities concerned.
“The new regulation reflects Kahramaa’s commitment, through “Tarsheed”, to reduce electricity consumption and minimise harmful carbon emissions for implementing its slogan of ‘Better Living’ in Qatar,” said a statement yesterday.
Enquiries with several leading shopping outlets yesterday revealed that they have already stopped sale of the high glow incandescent bulbs falling in the said category.
The ban is expected to be expanded to 60 and 40 watts bulbs in the near future.
Under Tarsheed, Kahramaa has launched many campaigns to raise awareness about the negative impacts of incandescent lamps and to encourage the use of energy-saving bulbs/lights which consume less energy, said the statement.
The Ministry of Municipality and Environment has also run intensive inspection campaigns to prevent the import and circulation of the high glow bulbs.
Those campaigns have encouraged people to use the energy-saving LED bulbs which are long-lasting and save 80 percent of energy, compared to the usual incandescent bulbs. Lighting consumes 15 to 20 percent of electricity used in buildings, said the statement.
Through Tarsheed, Kahramaa develops standards, specifications and ensures updates about the devices and tools of lighting and plumbing. It also periodically conducts surveys to set requirements and technical standards for devices, tools and equipment.
Tarsheed also regulates the terms and conditions of granting certificates to buildings for complying with the highest level of energy efficiency standards aiming conservation.It also helps save natural resources and reduce carbon emission for a sustainable healthy environment.
Tarsheed aims to reduce the per capita water and electricity consumption in Qatar by 35 percent and 20 percent, respectively until next year.
The Peninsula
