The energy efficient bulbs last six times longer and consume up to 80 percent less energy than regular bulbs.
The utility urged other residents in the area to take advantage of the opportunity to receive the free light bulbs which could reduce their electricity bills. At least 4.1 million of the bulbs are to be distributed by Eskom throughout the province.
Eskom's Andrew Etzinger said this initiative is aimed at ensuring that energy efficiency becomes a way of life in South Africa. Every small saving helps to reduce the load on the national grid.
Eskom's electricity supply network is becoming increasingly constrained, especially during peak usage times. It is therefore important for residents to save electricity and money, Eskom said in a statement.
Eskom project manager, Silesh Mansingh said the campaign formed part of their Demand Side Management Programme which is currently running parallel to Eskom's building programme which is intended to strike a balance between supply and demand in the future.
It is hoped these initiatives will combat the capacity shortfalls which result in unscheduled and scheduled outages and more expensive electricity both in the short and mid terms, while various technical solutions are being explored to meet electricity demands in 2009
Mansingh said they have plans to extend the mass bulb rollouts to the rest of the country in the New Year.
Source: BuaNews.gov.za
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