Philips has announced that its Lesotho joint venture has supplied more than a million South African produced energy saving light bulbs as part of a new Eskom tender. The 14W light bulbs, which are being distributed as part of a major energy efficiency drive throughout the country, will reduce energy consumption by 80%, compared to incandescent light bulbs, and save South African's significant amounts of money. The energy saving bulbs have been delivered to Eskom and delivery to other SADC countries is to follow.

The increasing need for power in the region has become a critical challenge that the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) is trying to address through a regional energy efficiency programme. One of the components of this programme is the replacement of incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps. 

"Through our Lesotho operation, which opened in March 2009, we have been able to deliver high-quality energy saving light bulbs to the region," says Jeroen Janssen, General Manager of Philips Lighting Southern Africa.
The market for energy saving lighting in South Africa is growing rapidly and is expected to accelerate even further as the National Government implements its energy saving policies and its stated intention of replacing 80% of all incandescent light bulbs within the next four to six years. Locally produced energy saving light bulbs will help speed up this process whilst boosting jobs and the economy in Lesotho.
The plant is a joint venture with the Central Energy fund and Karebo Systems and was developed as a result of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's mission to seek new business activities to fuel economic growth in the region.
"Globally Philips is committed to developing and supporting sustainable products which make it easier to save energy and reduce the effects of climate change. This commitment extends to South Africa where we have incorporated best practice to support the ongoing drive for energy savings," says Janssen.