Econnect Report Backs Globe Campaign

A recent Econnect report indicated to the power utilities that introducing energy efficient globes would not substantially impact the Victorian electricity network.

Such findings supported the Victorian Government’s plans to launch the ‘Change the Globe’ initiative which gave away 500,000 energy saving light globes on 2 February through the Herald Sun and Bunnings.

When all the globes are installed the initiative will reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 300,000 tonnes and save $40 million on household energy bills over the life of the globes.

Premier John Brumby and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings, launched 'Change the Globe' on January 31 at Federation Square in Melbourne.

“By switching to energy efficient light globes, Victorian households will save a total of 240,000 megawatt hours over the life of the globes which is enough power to supply 25,000 homes for a year,” Premier Brumby said.

The Victorian Government began to consider a promotional programme for free energy saving light globes to Victorian households in early 2007.

Econnect was asked by Sustainability Victoria, the Victorian Government agency charged with managing the campaign, to investigate the overall impact of replacing energy efficient globes on the Victorian electricity network.

The objective of the study was to reduce the level of uncertainty associated with the power system impact of replacing incandescent globes with energy efficient globes and ease concerns for the Australian power industry.

The results were positive and Econnect confirmed the power quality impact of energy saving light globes was unlikely to cause any major disruptions to the network.

Minister Jennings said that for many Victorians it could be also be the first small step towards improving the environmental efficiency of their homes, and start people thinking more broadly about the issues of climate change.

This key report demonstrates Econnect’s versatility in power quality analysis.

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