Let there be LED light

Let there be LED light
After spending the last few months in hibernation, the bear of electricity shortage is soon due to come out raging again.
At least, thats what the sluggish growth of development projects, such as energy conservation, RPPs and construction of dams, foretell - while pointing the finger at poor government planning and passive approach on the part of policy makers.
The much-delayed Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) project is no exception. Several studies have shown that if this project is implemented successfully, it would ease the pressure from electricity demand.
However, growing reservation by various government officials, energy experts and market participants over the exorbitant project cost, lack of transparency, bulb distribution mechanism and environmental unsustainably have beleaguered the progress of the project.
So, if CFL bulbs are really that bad, then is somebody thinking about an alternative?
One viable option is the Light-Emitting Diode (LED) bulb. According to a research by Eco Geek Living, a retailer of energy efficient products, LED lights use 1/50th of the energy consumed by a standard bulb and last about ten times longer than the CFL alternatives.
And since it lasts longer than other alternatives, it reduces maintenance and replacement costs significantly, especially for commercial users. The technology which, unlike CFL, lacks mercury, is environmentally friendlier as well.
Moreover, in areas where electricity is not available, such as the far-flung remote locations, LED lights can be used with solar panels, since they require little power.
Aside from LED, other energy conservation schemes should also be introduced. These may include gradual transfer to energy efficient appliances, such as solar heater, solar residential power system and small wind turbines etc.
Likewise, funds should also be used to assist local manufactures and incentivize foreign investors to establish manufacturing facilities at home, since it will not only reduce burden on foreign exchange bill, but will also encourage local manufactures to produce a variety of appliances in line with the local needs.