Household savings from energy efficient bulbs mounting fast

28 October 2007

A campaign to put energy saving light bulbs into every New Zealand home is expected to save householders more $330 million.

The Household Efficient Lighting Project started in South Canterbury three years ago to encourage consumers – through subsidies and education – to change to long-life energy-efficient Ecobulbs.

It is now in 30 regions with backing from power suppliers, Housing New Zealand and major companies including Foodstuffs and Shell. More than 3.5 million Ecobulbs have now been installed into about 700,000 New Zealand households.

The campaign’s success has seen the company behind the project, Christchurch based Energy Mad, selected as a finalist for the Fujitsu General NZ Residential Award at the EECA 2007 Energywise Awards – the country’s top energy efficiency honours.

Energy Mad’s Ecobulbs last up to ten times longer than existing bulbs and are estimated to save consumers up to $130 over the life of each bulb. On that basis, energy experts estimate the Ecobulbs will cut $331 million off household budgets over the next 10 years.

It’s also estimated New Zealand will save $490 million on deferred power generation and distribution expenditure and $35 million in greenhouse gas savings.

Energy Mad managing director Chris Mardon says Energy Mad’s aim was to get five energy saving bulbs each into 50 percent of the homes in New Zealand.

“We are delighted we achieved this. These Ecobulbs will save more electricity over their lifetimes than that used by Christchurch in one year,” Mr Mardon says.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) chief executive Mike Underhill says Energy Mad’s success shows the real day to day benefits of putting energy efficiency principles to work.

“Like all our Energywise finalists, Energy Mad shows smart thinking about everyday use of energy means concrete savings for consumers, businesses and New Zealand as a whole.”

Fujitsu General NZ managing director Kim Naylor says, “As an industry leader, Fujitsu supports the search for innovative products and ideas that improve the quality of life for New Zealanders.”

ENDS.

For further information contact: Janice Rodenburg. EECA Senior Communications Advisor on 04 470 2545 or 021 705 301

Or

Chris Mardon, Energy Mad Managing Director on 021 041 2981.