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China offers $88m in subsidies for energy-saving light bulbs

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-10 15:52

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, unveiled a plan Wednesday to promote the use of 120 million compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) this year, an effort aimed to boost consumption while saving energy.

Related readings:  Changing shopping habits drive sales of energy-efficient bulbs  China allocates $3.4b on energy saving, ecological projects  Energy-saving electric industry not much affected  China doubles energy-efficient light bulb subsidy

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has allocated 600 million yuan ($87.85 million) to subsidize this plan, the two agencies said in a joint statement.

The energy-efficient bulbs will help save 6.2 billion kWh of electricity and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 6.2 million tonnes. They are also expected to cut electric bills by 3.1 billion yuan nationwide.

Roughly 3.7 million bulbs were sold at a subsidized price of 1 yuan in Beijing last year, 9 yuan cheaper than the usual retail price. The city's government plans to promote sales of 10 million bulbs this year.