2,000 brigade workers from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce have begun distribution of low-wattage fluorescent bulbs to 500,000 low-income households, to replace the incandescent bulbs normally in use nationwide. The government has invested US$2 million in the purchase of the lower-consumption bulbs. The plan is to reach out to 500 barrios in the capital city and the rest of the country. The brigade workers have instructions to destroy the bulbs they replace. The new bulbs reportedly consume 80% less and are better on the eyesight. The program was begun in the slum areas of Cienaga, Brojol, Los Tres Brazos, Guaricano, Timbeque, 12 de Haina and Barrio Nuevo.
As reported in El Caribe, two million bulbs will be replaced initially, but the plan is to replace 5 million bulbs.
The idea is that the new bulbs will pay for themselves with the reduction in consumption. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce says that the country stands to save US$40 million a year in petroleum imports.