Bright idea sees new bulbs trialled

PIONEERING new lightbulbs which will stay on during a power cut are being trialled in Halton.

The iViTiON bulb can detect when power is gone and switches to battery power to stay on in the dark.

It screws in like a conventional bulb, but contains a battery that charges during normal usage.

It can run independently for up to three hours by which time power can be restored in the majority of cases.

The bulb can also tell the difference between a power cut and someone flicking the light switch and it shines with the brightness of a regular 60-watt bulb - despite using only eight watts of power itself.

It is being used in households across Runcorn and Widnes by SP Energy Networks customers, the distribution arm of ScottishPower.

Using LED technology, it also makes an energy saving of up to 80% compared to a standard lightbulb.

SP Energy Network customers in Halton are among the first in the country to try the bulbs which are not yet available on the market to buy.

If the trial is successful, the bulbs could be sent out to selected residents in towns and vil- lages right across the wider network area.

SP Energy Networks director of engineering services Colin Taylor said: “This could be a real lightbulb moment in the way we use technology to support customers.

“These bulbs have the potential to make a big difference in the unlikely event of a power cut, particularly for vulnerable or elderly customers and those at home with young children.

“We hope that after a successful trial they will be made more widely available.” 10.30am