Eskom says it will be distributing a further 10-million energy-saving lamps in all nine provinces up to end March 2017. This follows a previous campaign in which 64 million energy-saving lamps were distributed around the country since 2006.
Eskom says it will be distributing a further 10-million energy-saving lamps in all nine provinces up to end March 2017. This follows a previous campaign in which 64 million energy-saving lamps were distributed around the country since 2006.
The current roll out of the Energy Efficient Lighting Exchange commenced in November 2015 and continues in the Free State this month with a 500 000 energy-saving lamp allocation for the province.
The Programme conducts campaigns to swap old-style light bulbs and spent compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) with new energy efficient ones in specific areas.
Eskom-accredited installers – wearing bibs inscribed with the words “Energy Efficient Lighting Exchange Programme” and carrying Eskom ID cards – will be going door-to-door to swap bulbs free of charge.
Households will receive leaflets informing them of when installers will be in their area while additional information on the programme will be broadcast on community radio stations in the areas where the swaps are taking place.
CFLs can last up to eight times longer than incandescent lamps and save up to 80% on energy use. Eskom points out that millions of people around the world are already making the switch to energy efficient lamps.
An estimated 155MW – enough to power two towns the size of Thaba Nchu – was saved during the first phase of the rollout.They expect the programme to play a key role in reducing pressure on the national power grid and alleviating the need for load shedding.
Eskom emphasies that people should take every precaution to ensure their personal safety. Only representatives dressed in clearly marked bibs and carrying Eskom ID cards should be allowed in. Additional safety measures built into the programme are briefing sessions with neighbourhood watch organisations as well as police stations areas targeted by the programme.
Safe disposal
Eskom says it is advisable to store new and used CFLs in a non-breakable container or plastic bag – they contain about 5mg of mercury which, although it is almost used up by the time the lamp is ready for disposal, should not be allowed to get out into the environment.
Spent lamps can be disposed of at retailers in your area who offer a 'take-back' service and at sign-posted eWaste sites. You can also use a municipal collection service for hazardous waste, which includes batteries, paint and motor oil.
Contact the Eskom Call Centre on 08600 37566 or visit www.eskom.co.za/idm for full information on the areas to be covered around by the campaign.
