10,000 energy-saving light bulbs installed in six weeks

Local volunteers will aim to go house-to-house over six weekends and exchange a total of 10,000 standard light bulbs with energy saving bulbs, in a programme funded by the Electricity Commission and Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, and supported by Porirua City Council and the Titahi Bay Lion’s Club. The Challenge is organised by the Sustainability Trust.

It’s a big ask – requiring over 100 volunteers, a fleet of vehicles, and weeks of planning. But according to Titahi Bay Lions Club president Henry Smith, “We’re up for the challenge”.

Bulbs will cost residents $2 each – about one third of the regular retail price – and 50c from each sale will go to the Bay’s charity organisations. Plus, says Sustainability Trust project manager Lee Barry, “The residents will get a free installation service – the right kind of bulbs in the right places. No hassle and no need to leave home – the bulbs come to you!”

This is the first project of its kind in New Zealand, and Mr Smith says, sends a message to the rest of the country – “If we can do it – so can you.”

Each 100W standard bulb replaced with an energy saving bulb can save around $100 in power bills over its lifetime. Energy saving bulbs can last 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs while consuming one fifth of the energy, for the same or greater light output.

The Titahi Bay Lightbulb Challenge will kick off on 9 June and run until 15 July 2007 – residents will be notified when to expect teams in their street.