Abstract:
The Electricity load curve affirms that the peak electricity demand is predominantly caused
by domestic sector electricity consumption for lighting. Evening peak is attributed by the
lighting load accounts 43% ofthe total load and morning peak is contributed nearly 20% of
the total load. (“Sustainable Energy Authority” 2010). Hence there exists a potential of
curtailing peak electricity demand by way ofreducing domestic lighting load. In accordance
with the lighting load Curve, high electricity consumption for lighting in the domestic sector
stems from the extensive use of Incandescent Filament Lamps (IFL). Introduction of high
energy efficient appliances is identified as one ofthe most effective and affordable solutions
in mitigating electricity capacity constraints currently encountered in Sri Lanka. The
replacement of Incandescent Filament Lamps with compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
would be the most practical solution in addressing the issue ofreducing the lighting load.
The major objectives ofthis research study are to find out the current status ofCFL usage in
Domestic households for lighting, to find out the socio economic factors affecting to adopt
CFL and to explain how these factors influence users willingness to adopt it and to improve
the public awareness ofusing energy efficient appliances and join them to meet the system
peak demand
The development ofthis dissertation was mainly based on the information gathering through
electricity consumers in Puttalam district North Western province in Sri Lanka and
Regulators including Government Authorities in Ceylon Electricity Board and Sustainable
Energy Authority. A questionnaire surveys and interviews were used as data collections
methods. Raw data were analysed as separately depending on the bulbs availability
(domestic small, medium, large) in a structured way and content analysis method was used
to analyse the text received from interviews.
From the study it was noted that the industry requires a visionary approach towards energy
utilization. Electricity consumers required the awareness on the energy utilization by
strengthening information flow. Further it was found that it is necessary to study the
environmental forces affecting before the new technologies arrives to the market. Therefore,
the research provides guideline for utility to achieve better results via energy savings and also
policy directives to motivate that process.
