Light bulbs to save energyHaving checked off a number of refurbishments to improve the efficiency of existing power stations, NamPower yesterday focused its attention to managing demand on the power grid. NamPower launches 1 million LED campaign National power utility NamPower yesterday launched its latest initiative aimed at curbing Namibia’s escalating energy costs - the ‘one million LED campaign’.Approved by the government in 2013 already as part of the parastatal’s demand-side management project, the campaign will see NamPower representatives visit homes throughout the country from Monday, replacing incandescent light bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
“Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs last longer and consume far less electricity, while giving out the same, or more light intensity”, NamPower MD Kahenge Haulofu told a press briefing in Windhoek yesterday.
“The bulbs are environmentally friendly, as they contain non-toxic substances and are very cost effective over a period of time,” Haulofu said.
He said the project was not meant to be discriminatory, thus beneficiaries would cover low-income, medium-income and high-income households, and was expected to result in the replacement of approximately six bulbs per household.
The total cost of the project was estimated at N$135 million, though upon break-down, the company said N$95 million would cover the supply of bulbs, and another N$45 million set aside for distribution. Distribution is to be done by two local companies appointed as ‘LED champions’, project manager Eino Nanjemba said.
The two companies appointed are Lex Technologies and NamEnergy Resources.
“These LED champions have recruited local people from the regions to do the house-to-house removing of the incandescent bulbs and installations of the LED bulbs,” Haulofu said.
Approximately 650 unemployed youth have been recruited and trained to do the actual house-to-house visitations.
The utility cautioned citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity which may be prompted by the campaign, stating that official installers would be identifiable by their carrying both a Namibian ID card and a campaign ID card.
Furthermore, NamPower warned that its acquired LED bulbs are marked distinctly as part of the ‘1 million LED campaign, thus home owners should not entertain offers to buy these.
“The installation schedules, which are information on when and in which town the installations will be taking place, will be frequently communicated to the public via the print and electronic media,” Haulofu said.
The utility said it expects the campaign to result in a 30 to 50 MW saving on its energy bill, marked by ever-increasing dependence on imports.
“The energy savings created through this campaign will have a direct positive benefit on the Namibian economy through reduced electricity import costs,” the NamPower MD said.
“Namibia imports about 60% of its electricity, mostly during peak times. Through the campaign, there will be a reduced demand on the national grid during peak times, thus cutting down on the costs of electricity imports,” he said.
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