British Gas gives green light to UK's largest ever energy-saving light bulb initiative

12 May 2008

In a uinique initiative to mobilise its customers to reduce their carbon emissions, the largest energy utility marketing company British Gas is sending out 52 million energy saving light bulbs to its customers that would help them cut down their own carbon emissions when they use power at home.

British Gas will simulataneously launch a major advertising campaign, comprising TV, radio, print and outdoor, highlight the benefit of exchanging traditional incandescent bulbs for energy-saving light bulbs.

Unlike other energy-saving light bulb initiatives, British Gas customers will not need to spend time redeeming coupons. The new bulbs will simply be posted to them directly from May onwards and will be accompanied by energy saving hints and tips.

British Gas says that this is the initiative will be the largest of its kind ever seen in the UK and could slash carbon emissions by around nine million tonnes of CO2.

The company also provides customers with a free 'energy saver's report' under which it calculates its customers' home's energy ratings and suggest ways to reduce the amount of energy they use.

Throughout this year, each of the 13 million households served by British Gas will receive four free energy saving light bulbs in the post. The company, which has the lowest-carbon intensity for the electricity it provides of all the six major UK energy suppliers, hopes that the initiative will help overcome consumer inertia and kick-start the mass switch away from standard incandescent light bulbs.