Chance for homes to be more efficiently lit
About 45,000 lightbulbs are up for grabs across South Canterbury from today as a promotion to light the region more efficiently kicks off.
About 18,600 households received letters from LineTrust South Canterbury this week with vouchers for five free generation Ecobulb LED energy-saving light bulbs, valued at up to $200.
LineTrust is working alongside Alpine Energy, Christchurchbased Energy Mad and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) in a rollout across the region.
The 10 watt LED bulbs have a 30-year lifespan and provide the same energy as 100 watt conventional bulbs. The estimated annual power cost of each bulb is $2.73.
The $300,000 project is aimed at reducing cost and pressure on South Canterbury’s electricity network, and cutting demand on power.
Ecobulb managing director Chris Mardon said there were an estimated 31 million inefficient light bulbs in New Zealand homes. New generation LED bulbs could save the country $500 million in electricity costs per year, he said.
Mardon asked people to be patient when picking up their bulbs as an early rush was expected at six distribution outlets in South Canterbury.
‘‘It will be busy. There are various bets on how long the bulbs will last.
Those concerned about missing out should ‘‘get in early’’, he said. Vouchers can be redeemed at: Timaru: Southern Trust Events Centre, Morgans Rd, April 27-28 between 9am and 5pm. Fairlie: Heartlands Resource Centre, 67 Main St, April 27 and 30, between 10am and 4pm. Geraldine: Community Resource Centre, 5a Peel St, April 27 and 30, between 9am and 4pm. Temuka: PGG Wrightson, 3 Wood St, April 27 and 30, between 8am and 5pm. Twizel: Twizel Community Care Centre, Mt Cook St, April 27 and 30, between 9am and 2pm. Waimate: St John rooms, 39 Shearman St, April 27 and 30, between 9am and 5pm.