JAKARTA: Sales of compact fluorescent lights for the local market probably reached US$120 million in the first half, thanks to the state utility's move to temporarily waive fees for any lower-class subscribers that want to increase electrical capacity at homes.Reported sales of the compact fluorescent lights, called CFLs, for four months through end-April, were US$70 million, according to John Manoppo, the chairman of Indonesian Electrical Lamp Industries Association (Aperlindo).Each month, the use of CFL lamps by households is about US$12 million. Towards the end of this year, the consumption level is predicted to grow to 30%, compared to last years consumption, he said, yesterday.About 574,368 household subscribers in the first six months this year have increased their electrical capacity using the no-fee program, according to data from the state utility PLN.The program waived the cost to up electrical capacity for subscribers who want to upgrade from the 450 Volt Ampere class to 1,300 VA and from 900 VA to 2,200 VA.About 25% of the total compact fluorescent lights sold here are made by local manufacturers, John said. Thats not true what people say that 80%-90% of the lamp products here are produced by China.In 2008, 26%-69% of total products were produced by local producers, according to the Industry Ministry' estimate and analysis.Therefore, compact fluorescent lights have met the government's expectation that 25% of goods and service must be at least be procured locally.Previously, 80%-90% of the compact fluorescent lights' components with local brands had been imported from China, according to the chairman of Indonesian Electricity and Luminary Association (AILKI) Sjahriza Manaf. (11) (t01/msw)

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