The arrival of energy conserving bulbs, ordered by the national energy utility in May to keep the nation warm in the winter blues, has been postponed again to the end of October, NamPower said this week.
This is the third postponement for the arrival of the 900,000 compact florescent lights (CFL) initially ordered to help the power-grid cope with the high demand of electricity experienced during winter period.

The CFLs were supposed to have been dished out free to households during winter, and conserve between 20MW and 25MW on the national power grid. This was later postponed to the end of August due to the unavailability of stock.
“We initially thought they are readily available in the market, just taking them off the shelves and distribute them. But we had to wait in the queue,” spokesperson for NamPower, John Kaimu, said earlier in August.
The current delay, said Kaimu this week, “is a result of labour unrest in Shanghai, [China].”
NamPower awarded the N$14-million tender for the supply of the CFLs to a Windhoek-based company, DB Electrical Distributors.
It is understood that more than three manufacturers of CFL bulbs, including South African based companies, also tendered. According to Kamwi, DB Electrical Distributors is purchasing the CFL bulbs from one of the manufacturing company that also tendered. NamPower has in the meantime conveyed its apologies to the nation on the delay.
“We regret this situation and apologise for any inconvenience that it may cause,” a statement from NamPower said.
Once they arrive, each household is going to be given a set of five CFL bulbs for free. The targeted households are those within the identified high demand areas or towns.