Rapid uptake of LED lighting in NZ as prices reduce

Rapid uptake of LED lighting in NZ as prices reduce

Auckland, 30 April 2014 - Philips Lighting’s latest market data shows uptake of LED lighting continues to increase as more New Zealanders make the switch for better energy efficiency. That growth is expected to continue as the price point for this next generation lighting option continues to reduce.

Philips’ third generation LEDbulb range, which is being released in New Zealand over the coming month, is even more energy efficient than previous models and is priced lower. For example, the 13W LED bulb (75W incandescent bulb equivalent), which is one of the most popular in Philips’ LEDbulb range, now draws 12.5W of electricity to produce similar light output and has reduced in price from $24.95 to $19.95.

Compared to incandescent light bulbs the energy efficiency gains from using LED light bulbs are significant. Philips’ LED light bulbs use up to 80% less energy and can last up to 15 times longer than an incandescent bulb, with a lifetime of up to 15,000 hours.

“With lighting making up around 12% of the average New Zealand home’s electricity bill, converting to energy efficient lighting is one simple and effective way to reduce overall energy consumption and cost, especially with prices for buying LED bulbs having come down,” says David Procter of Philips Lighting New Zealand.

The incentives on consumers to make the switch to LED for energy efficiency savings are proving compelling. As a category, all LED bulb sales in New Zealand supermarkets in the 12 months to the end of February 2014, are 34 times greater than sales in the previous year. Philips’ range of LED bulbs has captured 70 percent of that growth, as a result of wider distribution and its previous reduction in the price of its LED bulbs in June 2013.

LED bulbs are mercury-free and do not require consumers to compromise on quality and style as they produce an instant warm, white, glare-free light and have been designed to resemble a traditional light bulb. They are also compatible with most existing light fittings (screw or bayonet cap sockets) making it hassle-free to make the switch.

“With LED lighting becoming increasingly accessible to mainstream consumers and this further reduction in the cost of Philips’ LEDbulb range, we anticipate the trend for growth in consumer uptake of LED for lighting their homes to continue,” says David Procter.

Philips Lighting anticipates that at least 50% of global lighting will be LEDs by as early as 2015, and 75% by the end of this decade.

The new Philips LEDbulb range is available nationwide from Pak‘nSave, New World, Countdown, Bunnings, and Mitre 10 stores priced from $13.95 to $19.95 including GST.

About Royal Philips:
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 115,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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