Up to twenty-five thousand lightbulbs are being given away to Tokoroa residents in a Salvation Army–Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) trial.
Next week, every one of the 5,000 households in urban Tokoroa will receive a letter with a voucher that can be redeemed for up to five free, energy-efficient LED lightbulbs. The bulbs lead to energy efficiency and cost savings.
The vouchers are redeemable from Monday 28 September - Friday 9 October (excluding Sunday 4 October) from The Salvation Army Centre, 139 Balmoral Drive, Tokoroa.
EECA’s Chief Executive Andrew Caseley said households will get immediate benefits from switching their old bulbs to LEDs. "Quality LEDs use 85 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and they last considerably longer. Each LED that replicates an incandescent bulb can save up to $300 over its life.”
The Salvation Army Community Ministries Director Jono Bell says any savings for people on low or fixed incomes allows them to buy essentials they may miss out on and switching bulbs to climate friendly LEDs also supports New Zealand’s climate change efforts.
For the best results. EECA advises replacing old bulbs in high-use areas such as kitchens and living areas. "We encourage residents to go home and swap out their old incandescent bulbs straight away so they can get immediate cost-savings from their new LEDs” says Mr Caseley.
EECA hopes the trial, which was also conducted in Kaitaia last month, will encourage all households in Tokoroa to change out their old lighting for new efficient lighting.
The LEDs are available as either 9W or 14W in Bayonet or Screw fittings.