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Throw The Switch To Energy Efficient Lighting

Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor today urged Victorians to make the switch to energy efficient compact fluorescent light globes to reduce energy consumption and save money.

By Minister for Energy and Resources - 2nd August 2007 - Back to News

Mr Batchelor unveiled new Black Balloons TV and print advertisements, which will run from Sunday 5 August, that encourage Victorians to install energy efficient light bulbs rather than conventional incandescent light bulbs.

"Replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescents could improve household lighting efficiency by 80 per cent. Energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs use around 80 per cent less electricity, save 2000 black balloons of greenhouse gas each and last up to eight times longer than conventional globes," Mr Batchelor said.

The Black Balloons campaign is part of a push by the State Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent by 2050. Mr Batchelor said the reality of climate change made it imperative that all energy consumers made an effort to reduce power use and emissions.

"Energy efficient globes installed in high-use zones of the house such as in the kitchen, lounge room and for security lighting will reward householders quickly with reduced running costs," Mr Batchelor said.

"One of the effects of drought is that Victorians will soon see increases in power costs because reduced water availability has increased generation costs. Prices in NSW and Queensland are already set to rise by at least 8 per cent to 11 per cent," he said.

A wide range of energy efficient lighting options is now available, including dimmable compact fluorescent lights, which can replace downlights, as well as energy efficient LED lighting.

70 per cent of greenhouse emissions are from energy production and one third of these are from the residential sector. The average Victorian household produces around 12 tonnes or greenhouse gases each year or 240,000 balloons full. (One black balloon represents 50 grams of greenhouse gas).

Lighting accounts for nine per cent of the average home’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The energy efficient lighting campaign follows a Black Balloons campaign focus in July on getting people to save energy by running household heaters at between 18 and 20 degrees.

The new advertisements to promote energy efficient lighting will run statewide on television, radio and in newspapers. To view the television ad, visit www.SaveEnergy.vic.gov.au

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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