Energy efficient light bulb sales on the rise in NZ

29 August 2013

Energy efficient light bulb sales on the rise in NZ

Supermarket sales of energy efficient light bulbs have increased by 40% for the three months to the end of July compared to the same period last year, indicating that more New Zealanders are recognising they can make savings by switching to efficient lighting, according to the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA).

EECA’s campaign to encourage energy efficient light bulbs includes information provided through The Energy Spot television advertisements, as well as point of sale material in supermarkets and hardware stores, and online information tools.

“Our campaign demonstrates the value for money consumers get from buying energy efficient light bulbs such as CFLs,” said Bill Brander, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Lighting Programme Manager.

“Lighting represents around 12 per cent of a home’s electricity bill so energy-efficient bulbs can really make a difference.

“You can save up to $20 a year every year for every incandescent bulb you replace with an energy efficient light bulb.”

“We’re also helping people understand the different products available, and how to select the right bulb.

The sales figure also show that the market share for July 2013 is 27.1%, compared with 17.8% in July 2012, signalling a significant shift in consumer behaviour.

Improvements in bulb performance were also likely to be a factor in consumers’ willingness to buy them, said Mr Brander. With the recent introduction of performance standards, all CFLs must perform to certain criteria including life-span and start-up time.

“Research by Consumer shows the quality of energy-efficient light bulbs has improved. For its extra cost, a good quality CFL will repay you with a long life. The longer the CFL lasts, the more money you save.

“Seeing the market share grow is really good news for New Zealand. If every household changed all their inefficient standard light-bulbs to energy efficient bulbs, the savings would be like turning off 15 million light bulbs.”
Background information

EECA is working to provide New Zealanders with all the information they need to make good lighting choices, as well as online interactive tools for evaluating costs and potential savings.

Advances in lighting mean there is now a range of efficient light bulbs available for most situations, and changing old incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient ones is a simple and effective way to reduce electricity use.

The range of energy-efficient bulbs includes CFLs, LEDs (light emitting diodes) and new generation halogens. These are now available in attractive designs, colours and shapes to suit different settings.

- CFLs and LEDs offer major energy savings in high use areas such as lounge, dining and family rooms, and are available in covered and dimmable forms. ‘Warm white’ will offer a close colour match for any standard light bulbs being replaced.

- New generation halogen bulbs are ideal for areas such as cupboards and hallways where lights are on for short periods of time, and work well with dimmers.

- Fluorescent tubes, which come in an increasing range of sizes and shapes, are designed to work especially well over kitchen work benches and bathroom mirrors.

ENDS

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