Taiwan Today

To save energy and cut carbon emissions, energy-intensive incandescent lamps are prohibited from supermarkets and department stores starting this month, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Bureau of Energy. The BOE plans to totally scrap the use of incandescent lamps by 2012. Bureau officials said Canada, the United States and European countries would also gradually suspend the use of incandescent tubes between 2012 and 2014. “Once incandescent tubes and bulbs are totally replaced, Taiwan could cut around 800 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year, which translates into 500,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions,” a bureau official said. During the preliminary ban period, shopping malls, department stores and tourist hotels will be covered. Officials estimated around 4 million incandescent lamps would be replaced this year. Those who continue to use incandescent light will be fined between NT$20,000 (US$625.3) and NT$100,000 once the promotion period ceases. Meanwhile, starting in July, businesses found to allow their air conditioning to escape outside the building would also be fined, according to a new amendment to the country’s Energy Management Act. Officials said inspection teams have been formed to monitor the implementation of the measure. Businesses that fail to take steps to prevent air conditioning from escaping could face fines from NT$20,000 to NT$100,000 upon each inspection. (PCT-THN)