Philips Taiwan Executive Projects Bright Outlook for Energy Saving Lamps

Taipei, July 17, 2009 (CENS)--Country Manger Edward Po of Philip Taiwan Ltd. recently said that approximately half of the household lamps in Taiwan now are compact fluorescent types, the world's highest penetration rate of the energy-saving lamps and soaring from 35% around three five years ago.

Po ascribed the hefty growth mostly to Taiwan's policy of phasing out incandescent lamps in favor of energy-saving lamps in 2010 at government organizations, as well as starting gradual ban on incandescent production in 2010 and full prohibition on the production in 2012.

Philips is the world's No.1 supplier of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), commanding a 25% of the world market and 35% of the Taiwan market, according to Po. He noted that estimates that world demands for CFLs would outpace supplies when the bans on incandescent lamps come in positions in 2012 worldwide.

Although CFLs are on average retailed at prices five folds above that of incandescent lamps, Po estimated the markup could be recouped in three months by lower electricity bills, an upside for promoting CFLs.

The top Philips Taiwan executive noted the Taiwan branch of Philips has been striving to win Taiwan government's CFL contracts. The branch is promoting several incandescent replacements including dimmable mini CFLs.

Po said advised by his company Taiwan government will begin this year to inspire the island's lamp makers to covert their TL lighting fixtures coupled with magnetic ballasts to fixtures going with electronic ballasts in line with energy-saving trend.