Bright idea promises big power savings for Waipa consumers

‘CHEERS to big savings’: Waipa Networks Trust chairman, Keith Storey (centre) and secretary Roger Johnston (left) ‘toast’ the energy efficient lighting project with Energy Mad’s Natalie Cutler-Welsh and Chris Mardon.

An initiative that has the potential to create $4.5 Million in savings for power consumers across the Waipa District is being launched next week thanks to the Waipa Networks Trust and the Electricity Commission.

Waipa Networks Trust is investing $98,000 to provide subsidised Ecobulbs for consumers. Waipa Networks beneficiaries will be sent a voucher, entitling them to purchase five Ecobulbs at the heavily discounted price of $2 each.

Christchurch-based company, Energy Mad is co-ordinating the efficient lighting project. Project manager, Natalie Cutler-Welsh says over the expected life of the five bulbs (up to nine years each) energy savings over standard bulbs can be around $500.

“This is a very conservative figure as it is based on electricity prices of 13c/kWh and today’s prices are much higher than this.”

It is expected that around 45,000 Ecobulbs will be purchased through the promotion (in Te Awamutu the vouchers will be able to be redeemed at the two Shell Service Stations). Waipa Networks consumers will start receiving their envelopes, letters and vouchers from the middle of next week onwards. Rather than receiving a voucher in the post, Genesis Energy customers are invited to present proof of an account at participating locations.

Mrs Cutler-Welsh says the Ecobulb is the ‘top of the range’ in energy saving lightbulbs.

“It is expected to last 10 times longer than standard light bulbs and uses about 80% less power than standard bulbs. The Ecobulbs provide a warm, white colour that will give the same or better light than the 60W, 75W and 100W standard bulbs you replace. By replacing the five standard bulbs you use most in your home, you can save up to $500 in electricity over the life of the bulbs.”

The Ecobulbs come with bayonet or screw fittings and in 15W and 20W sizes (which are equivalent to 75W and 100W ordinary bulbs respectively). The 15W screw fitting Ecobulb is recommended for most downlights used in many modern homes. Ecobulbs, like all energy-saving bulbs, are not suitable for dimmer switches.

The use of 45,000 Ecobulbs could also see 405,000 less standard bulbs ending up in landfills due to Ecobulbs’ long nine year lifespan.

Keith Storey, chairman of Waipa Networks Trust, says they are happy to promote the project because of the priority they place on efficiency and on providing benefits to their consumers. Waipa Networks is helping to pave the way towards energy efficiency by giving the ‘green light’ to this energy efficiency project.

Ecobulbs normally retail for $5.95 each, but during the promotion extra Ecobulbs will be able to be purchased for $4.95, allowing people to buy bulbs for other areas of their house as well.