Pay your bill, get a free bulb

THE first recipients of the LED Bulb Distribution Programme received “free” bulbs at TT Electricity Commission (T&TEC) offices on Tuesday after they made a payment on their account.

The programme was launched by the Ministry of Public Utilities on Monday and aims to distribute 1.6 million bulbs to customers. The programme is being facilitated by T&TEC on behalf of the ministry and aims to encourage energy efficiency and energy conservation habits.

T&TEC customers who came to the Port of Spain Service Centre on Park Street, to make a payment, were asked to step into another line to receive their bulbs.

Newsday spoke to one recipient who said she was unaware of the initiative and was surprised by the gesture.

She said many others inside were also unaware the distribution was taking place.

Another customer waiting in line outside the building said she thought it was a positive initiative.

“I like the fact that it is energy saving. It is moving in the way of technology because some people are still unable to afford the energy bulb and they have higher bills.” She said although she already uses LED bulbs in her home, she was still grateful for the it.

Another customer said she thought it was a good idea to distribute the bulbs as she herself does not use it at home.

T&TEC Corporate Communications Manager Annabelle Brasnell told Newsday customers can receive the bulbs via two methods: after paying a bill at any of its service centres across TT or by appointment.

She said if a customer pays a bill on any of its other platforms, they can make an appointment online to collect the bulbs.

A release issued by T&TEC on Tuesday said as of 11 am on Tuesday, over 1,200 customers collected bulbs at service centres across the country.

It said, “T&TEC reminds its customers that by switching to energy efficient LED bulbs and by practicing energy management and simple energy conservation habits, they can reduce their electricity consumption and the charges on their electricity bill.”

It said customers can manage their consumption through the commission’s Energy Management Application, by signing up for Customer Web Access on its website www.ttec.co.tt/cwa