British Gas has announced that it is to distribute 52 million energy saving light bulbs to its customers.

The initiative will be the largest of its kind ever seen in the UK and could result in customers reducing their carbon emissions by around nine million tonnes.

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.


Energy saving light bulbs have an average life expectancy of 10,000 hours, compared to incandescent bulbs that last for an average of 750 hours.

A major advertising campaign, comprising TV, radio, print and outdoor, will highlight the benefit of swapping traditional incandescent bulbs for energy saving light bulbs.

Gearóid Lane, Director of British Gas New Energy, said: "Switching to energy saving light bulbs is a small step but one which can make a big difference. We know that our customers want to reduce their carbon footprint and also save money. Through our distribution of 52 million energy saving light bulbs, we will be providing them with an opportunity to do both. And as the largest energy retailer in the UK, we are the only company able to deliver an initiative on this scale."

(CD/JM)