Eskom distributes energy-saving light bulbs

These reportedly last six times longer and consume up to 80% less energy than regular bulbs.

On Wednesday Eskom visited some of the houses which now use the efficient compact fluorescent lamps in Umlazi, south of eThekwini.

The state utility urged other residents in the area to take advantage of the opportunity to receive the free light bulbs which could reduce their electricity bills.

At least 4.1 million of the bulbs are to be distributed by Eskom throughout the province and by Wednesday 355,928 had already been handed out. Only working incandescent light bulbs are exchanged for the new bulbs.

This campaign will run until 15 December 2007.

Eskom has said the electricity supply network is becoming increasingly constrained, especially during peak usage times between 7am and 10am, and 6pm and 9pm. It is therefore important for residents to save electricity and money, the utility said in a statement.

Eskom's Andrew Etzinger said this initiative is aimed at ensuring energy efficiency becomes a way of life in South Africa. Every small saving helps to reduce the load on the national grid.

Etzinger said together with the support of local participating municipalities, Eskom would help residents use less electricity and introduce them to efficient technologies.

Eskom project manager, Silesh Mansingh said the campaign formed part of their Demand Side Management Programme which is currently running parallel to Eskom's building programme which is intended to strike a balance between supply and demand in the future.

It is hoped these initiatives will combat the capacity shortfalls which result in unscheduled and scheduled outages and more expensive electricity both in the short and mid terms, while various technical solutions are being explored to meet electricity demands in 2009.

In the meantime, the predicted impacts can be mitigated significantly with a massive public campaign to reduce energy consumption.

Mansingh said they have plans to extend the mass bulb rollouts to the rest of the country in the New Year.

Local energy services companies are visiting pre-selected areas, where the bulbs are being rolled out. Residents first received a notification flyer explaining the procedure and highlighting the benefits.

Eskom also has education teams which are busy running awareness interventions visiting taxi ranks, community centres and schools.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews