LUSAKA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Zambia has managed to save about 5.52 million U.S. dollars by replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient ones, its power utility said Monday.
Last year, the Zambian government banned the production and use of incandescent bulbs following a crippling power deficit.
Zesco Limited said it has saved about 135 megawatts of electricity at a cost of 5.52 million dollars after it distributed about 3 million energy-saving bulbs around the country.
The power utility added that its door-to-door countrywide installation of energy-saving bulbs was accompanied by programs to raise awareness of customers on the importance of using such bulbs, it said in a statement.
According to the firm, ordinary bulbs are inefficient as they waste 90 percent of energy as heat and only lasts between three to five months, while energy saving bulbs can last between three and five years.
"Energy-saving bulbs are a way to go for homes for a more efficient usage of energy, as this will help people save money and the environment as well," it added.
