Electronics company Philips has announced a new range of energy saving LED light bulbs which are aimed at replacing existing light bulbs in such areas as hotels and restaurants. The new LED range offer significant energy savings of up to 90%, a very long life of up to 45,000 hours and reduced maintenance and replacement costs. The new light bulbs will be available in Kenya by early August.

“LED lighting offers both dramatic savings in energy use and maintenance costs, while at the same time enhancing the feeling of safety, security and comfort of people on streets and public spaces, in buildings and at home, “said Tamer Abolghar - General Manager for Philips Lighting Egypt and East Africa   “We now offer many solutions which can be easily replace existing incandescent and halogen lights particularly in businesses such as hotels, restaurants bars café’s and other buildings.“

Philips have for instance introduced a 17 watt bulb that has the same performance as the 75 watt bulb and a longer life of up to 45,000 hours. A switch to LED lighting, particularly in businesses will help combat climate change, save energy, reduce costs and improve people’s lives through increased well-being, safety and productivity where they live and work. The bulbs retail for about Ksh. 2,000 for the household LED bulbs.

Currently, lighting accounts for 19% of global electricity production, according to the IEA (International Energy Agency). Around two thirds of current lighting is based on older, energy wasting technologies developed before 1970. A full switch to the latest energy-efficient LED lighting combined with smart control and management systems could provide very significant energy savings of up to 80% in many applications.