$$$$$ SINFIN LIGHTING REFERRELS PROGRAM $$$$
Did you know you can make money by referring a potential customer to us? You can make up to 10% of the invoice price before tax when your referral buys from us.
You can spread our name by word of mouth but the best bet is to ask for some of our referral sheets and leave one with friends, your hairdresser, the café, the butcher etc. In fact you can leave a copy with just about anyone as more and more people today are worried about the rising price of electricity.
Just register with us when asking for a copy of the referral sheet so we know where the referral comes from. With one of the jobs we have quoted on recently worth $26,000.00, it is as the saying goes ‘money for jam’ just for dropping in a brochure!! Contact us for more details.
THE NOT SO SMART CLIMATE SMART!
Did you know ?
*that while CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs are energy efficient, they are at the opposite end of the colour spectrum from being ‘Green’
*that CFL light bulbs are only the latest in a long line of "solutions" that can turn out to be worse than the problem it is supposed to solve. (remember the cane toad?)
*that fluorescent lights contain mercury, and that one CFL bulb contains enough mercury to contaminate around 30,000 litres of water beyond safe drinking levels?
*in many states in America and the United Kingdom, CFL bulbs and fluorescent tubes are considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of through a hazardous waste recycling centre?
*that the safe intake of mercury for the human body is a few micrograms. One milligram is 1000 micrograms. So each CFL bulb if broken has the capacity to be nearly 5000 times more dangerous to the human body. Mercury can cause kidney and brain damage in humans and animals.
*that Professor John Buckeridge, Head of the School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, says the public health effects of having millions of mercury-contained fluorescent tubes dumped in landfill will be ‘disastrous’, with possible severe environmental and health costs including mercury poisoning’s effects on the nervous systems of both humans and animals.
*that according to the Medical Journal The Lancet (of 274 women with malignant melanoma and 549 matched controls) indicated that exposure to fluorescent light at work was associated with double the risk of succumbing to malignant melanomas. The risk appeared to increase with duration of exposure to fluorescent lighting and was greater in women who predominately worked in offices,
*that once in a landfill, mercury can leach into soil and groundwater and its vapors can spread through the air, potentially exposing workers to toxic levels of the poison
*that CFL bulbs are subject to EMR (electromagnetic radiation) the same as mobile phones and phone towers, and should not be used closer that one metre to a persons head? (How many people use them for reading or bed lamps?)
Do you believe the argument that CFLs cut down the overall amount of mercury produced by the power stations? The amount of mercury emitted from power stations is a false argument. With power stations, the contamination is in that area, but now we are talking about bringing that contamination into every home, every street, every city and town. We may have less mercury in the whole production process but the difference with CFLs is that the mercury will be in our homes and in our streets.
So what is the alternative? Commercial quality LED Lighting – not the sort of stuff you buy at your hardware or lighting store. Commercial quality LEDs will give you a better quality of light, have great output, cut down on your electricity costs much further than fluorescents, and they are totally environmentally friendly.
Power prices to surge while ETS delayed
Australian households could be forced to fork out an extra $2 billion a year in higher electricity prices because of Julia Gillard's refusal to set a carbon price.
A major research report by the country's leading economists and power companies forecasts that the government's shelving of the emissions trading scheme will add an extra $60 a year to the average household bill, News Limited reports.
The research, produced for the Climate Institute and seen by News Limited, has warned the extra price rise is already locked in.
It has also forewarned that price rises over the next ten years were already being factored into future investment in meeting rising power demand.
The price rises were necessary because investors were refusing to fund any new coal-fired or open gas-fired base-load power plants while there was uncertainty around the price of pollution they emit, according to the energy providers which produced the report.
Ms Gillard is expected to take her climate change policy to Cabinet on Monday.
SO HOW MUCH CAN WE SAVE WITH LED LIGHTING?
If you are running fluorescent tubes you can save 50% + on your running costs, and if you are using halogens up to 90%!
So what does this equate to in dollars and cents ?
Let’s say you are running one 50 watt halogen down light, 5 days a week, 10 hours a day as in a typical office. At a kilowatt hour rate of 0.19 cents, this means that in one year that light has cost you around $25.00 in electricity.
By comparison our 7 watt LED will cost you around $3.95 under the same circumstances. A saving of $21.05 per light. This does not take into account any replacement or maintenance costs, or costs of electrical contractors to come and change globes etc. These LEDs fit your standard halogen down light holders.
If you are using 36 watt fluorescent tubes, (which including the ballast use around 46 watts of electricity per tube) your running costs for the same circumstances as above in a typical office would be around $23.70 per annum per light, as opposed to a 21Watt LED tube light, which fits your existing fittings, at around $8.90 per annum, a saving of $14.80 per annum per tube. Once again, capital costs, maintenance costs and further price rises over the next few years are not included in this calculation, which would make your savings even greater.
The costs are up front, but the savings are immediate! Changeover can be implemented gradually over a period of time to spread out the capital costs.
Don’t think LED lights have enough power to light up your office ? Come along to the reception area at the Regatta 1 Business Centre, 2 Innovation Parkway Lake Kawana and judge for yourself. The office is open 5 days a week from 8.30 to 5pm.
Here are some comments from a couple of our customers using our LED Lights:
“…I am also impressed on the quality of light in the offices. It is much brighter and cleaner light. So not only is it cheaper to run but it provides a better light.”
Andrew Dean Regatta 1 Business Centre. 07 5413 9200
“…They look great, modern and I am doing my bit for the environment. A staff member commented on how reading the numbers on the financial statements was clearer now.
…my electrician came in and checked the before and after electricity usage – and he says my lights are using a quarter of the power compared with the previous set-up, that’s a 75% saving I will get on my next light bill!”
Tom Swanton CPA, Swanton Audit Services Sumner Park. 07 3279 3335
Minister can, but won't, veto power hike
MARISSA CALLIGEROS BRISBANE TIMES.COM.AU
May 29, 2010
Queensland Energy Minister Stephen Robertson says he will not act to reduce a 13 per cent rise in electricity prices, despite having the power to overrule the record hike.
The rise will push the average quarterly electricity bill up by nearly $50, to $397.
The hike was approved by the Queensland Competition Authority, which yesterday ruled the price rise was necessary to balance "customer acquisition and retention costs" for electricity retailers.
An initial 9 per cent price rise was approved by the Australian Energy Regulator, which in May signed off on more than $12 billion for infrastructure works plans for the two state-owned electricity providers over the next five years.
The QCA decided the additional cost of supplying power should see prices rise 13.29 per cent.
The price rise will account for a 17 per cent increase in transmission and distribution costs, according to the QCA.
It has estimated that retail operating costs will also increase to $83.19 per customer next financial year.
Mr Robertson told reporters he was disappointed in the decision by the QCA.
"Our government knows the huge impact that electricity price hikes will have on the average household," he said.
"Many people in our community are doing it tough and the price increase announced by the independent QCA today will place additional strain on their weekly budget."
Despite declaring his disappointment, Mr Robertson said he would not exercise his power to veto the decision.
"If I were to intervene and reduce these prices then it would mean a reduction in investment in our electricity system," he said.
"We would return to the days of blackouts and brownouts - an unreliable electricity system that caused so much angst and anger in the early part of this decade.
"I know that a 13.3 per cent increase in electricity bills will hurt average Queenslanders.
"But if this is what is needed to ensure that we have a reliable electricity system in this state then that is what is behind QCA's decision."
Mr Robertson rebuffed suggestions the deregulation of the state's electricity industry in mid-2007 had driven a 40 per cent rise in costs over the past four years.
"It was never said that deregulation would decrease electricity bills," he said.
"We said it would moderate future increases, by having a retail sector that was run more efficiently."
Queensland Council of Social Service president Karyn Walsh said electricity concessions should be reviewed in order to held those most vulnerable in society.
"We know the government is looking at the possibility of health-related energy rebates in the coming budget but we'd like them to go further than that," she said.
"It is no coincidence that Queensland consistently has one of the highest disconnection rates in Australia.
"Current concessions are simply not hitting the mark and need to be extended to all people currently unemployed, and not just those with pensioner concession cards."
INCREASED COSTS OF ELECTRICITY FOR QUEENSLAND, NSW & VICTORIA
The price of electricity set to soar again on the eastern seaboard, and once more families and businesses are going to have to dig deeper into their pockets. But this is not where it will stop. Every retailer, manufacturer or business consumes electricity in the course of doing business, and these increased costs will be handed down the chain to end up with you and me, the consumer. Even buying groceries will cost more as all the supermarkets will have to pay more for the electricity to light the shops and run the fridges, as well as paying increased wholesale prices due to their suppliers increasing prices to cope with the rising costs of electricity!
If you live in Queensland, NSW or Victoria, please consult the articles below in relation to the cost increases.
On the domestic front I know people are buying energy efficient fridges, washing machines, dryers, or whatever, and paying for example anything up to $2000.00 for a new fridge. A 6 star energy rated fridge can save you around $60.00 per annum compared to a less efficient model. (The payback period is over 20 years!) But ask the same people to pay $1500.00 to replace the lights in their house with LEDs, which can save them around $400.00 + per year** with a 4 year payback period, they have a heart attack! I guess I just don’t understand peoples’ logic!
** (Based on running 30 halogen down lights 7 days a week for 5 hours a day)
On the business front, more and more companies are changing over to LED Lighting, with two of our recent quotes being for the replacement of 400+ fluorescent tubes for one company and 200+ for another. In the first instance this means a reduction from 18,400 watts to 8,400. Running 10 hours per day 5 days per week with fluorescents means an energy cost of around $9500.00 pa, compared to around $4100.00 for the LED tubes, a saving of $5400.00 pa.
Attached is a copy of a no obligation contact form to discuss your requirements. Email or fax it back to us and let us demonstrate how much money we can save you. Whether you are in Queensland or interstate, we can help you reduce your electricity bills.
Bligh Government admits electricity price increases inevitable From the Office of Liberal Queensland
THE Bligh Government has admitted they knew electricity prices would rise before going to an early election but decided not to tell anyone.
State Opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek said the Energy Minister’s comments that Queenslanders should “get used to” higher electricity bills smacked of arrogance and contradicted the Government’s promise that consumers would pay less for electricity after deregulation.
“Labor promised Queenslanders we would pay less for electricity by introducing competition into the market. Instead, we’re continually being hit with endless price hikes,” said Mr Langbroek.
“The Bligh Government knew electricity price rises were in the pipeline, but they conveniently forgot to mention it during the election campaign.
“It begs the question of what other bad news is the Premier hiding from Queenslanders?”
Mr Langbroek said the Premier and Energy Minister should come clean about how much extra Queenslanders could expect to pay for power over the next three years, as the Government tries to recoup money from electricity retailers to prop up the ailing State budget.
Under the State’s electricity laws, the Energy Minister is responsible for setting the regulated electricity prices.
“Raising the cost of electricity is only going to make it harder for Queensland families and small businesses trying to make ends meet,” said Mr Langbroek.
“The cost of health insurance and the introduction of means-testing in this week’s Rudd Budget is already going to hurt families.
“At a time when people are most concerned about potentially losing their job, Queenslanders will be understandably angry about the Bligh Government’s relaxed attitude towards exorbitant electricity costs.”
Electricity prices ‘almost double’ in NSW
By David Olsen on Friday, 19 March 2010 LETS GROW DYNAMIC BUSINESS
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), New South Wales pricing regulator has confirmed a 64 percent increase in electricity prices for NSW. With the cost increases due to the increasing costs associated with maintaining the the energy networks and the Federal Governments’ Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).
Within New South Wales, homeowners and businesses are likely to see price increases of anywhere from 46 percent up to 64 percent depending on where they live and their current supplier over the next 3 years. The Federal Governments’ CPRS is likely to contribute 40 percent to 56 percent to these total cost increases.
By 2013 a ‘typical’ business customer could see rises of over $3,000 – customers can expect the following increases:
- Energy Australia $2421 (60 percent)
- Integral Energy $1660 (46 percent)
- Country Energy $3070 (64 percent)
Tim Wolfenden, CEO of Make It Cheaper, an electricity price comparison service comments: “This price rise is a pure ‘Postcode Lottery’ for small businesses. By 2013, the same type of business consuming the same amount of energy in the same state could see a whopping $2600 difference in the cost of the electricity they use, purely depending on the Postcode they run their business in.”
“Whilst a low user could see a $2600 difference, a slightly larger energy user could see the difference in their energy costs creep to well over $5000, with total energy bills in excess of $10,000.”
“Now more than ever, it’s essential for business owners to take ownership of their energy bills and look to switch to a cheaper energy retailer – at the same time, we recommend that a business looks to implement cost saving measures to reduce their energy usage
BRUMBY GOVERNMENT SPIKES ELECTRICITY AND GAS PRICES FOR 2010
Posted on 31 December, 2009
Victorian families are set to pay much more for their electricity and gas in 2010, due in part to Brumby Government mismanagement.
New electricity tariffs taking effect from 2 January 2010 will see annual supply charges rise by up to $61 on top of usage price increases of up to 35%.
New gas tariffs taking effect from 2 January 2010 will see annual supply charges rise by up to $34 on top of usage price increases of up to 44%.
“This hip pocket slug will be an unwelcome start to 2010 for many Victorian families who are finding it hard to make ends meet,” Shadow Minister for Energy Michael O’Brien said.
“The electricity rises are just a taste of things to come, with the Government’s $1.5 billion cost blow out of so-called ‘smart meters’ predicted to cost Victorian families $200 a year.
“The Government’s past efforts to suppress infrastructure cost recovery for distribution companies – now the subject of inquiry at the Bushfires Royal Commission – also means that Victorian families will be paying much more for their energy in the future,” Mr O’Brien said.
The largest increase in electricity supply charges is for some customers in Jemena’s distribution area, covering Melbourne’s north and north-western suburbs, who see supply charges increase by $61.38 a year or 30%.
The largest increase in electricity usage charges is for some customers of Citipower in Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs, who see controlled off-peak charges increase by 35%.
The largest increase in gas supply charges is for customers in Origin North’s distribution zone, covering areas such as Whittlesea, Shepparton and Wodonga, who see supply charges increase by $34.47 a year or 19%.
The largest increase in gas usage charges is for some customers of AGL South in Melbourne’s south-east suburbs, who see off-peak excess charges rise by 44%.
“Minister Batchelor – the architect of Myki – should explain how much his smart meter stuff-up will cost Victorian families,” Mr O’Brien said.
Media: Michael O’Brien (03) 9576 1850 or 0417 206 972 Liberal Victoria
WANT TO SAVE OVER 50% OF YOUR RUNNING COSTS FOR YOUR FLUORESCENT TUBE LIGHTS?
How many businesses do you know that run fluorescent tubes for general lighting in their offices, shops or in underground car parks? By changing to LED tubes, which fit into your standard light box, energy savings of up to 50%+ can be accomplished. How do we do this?
Firstly we exchange that 38w fluoro tube for a 21w LED Tube. We take out the starter and we by pass the internal ballast. (Your local electrician can do this) What does the ballast do? It supplies the initial electricity that creates the light, and then it regulates the amount of electricity flowing through the tube so that the right amount of light is transmitted. The ballast also uses electricity, up to 10w, so if you are using 2 x 38 watt fluorescent tubes, you are not just using 76 watts, but closer to 96 watts! By replacing the fluorescent tubes with LEDs and removing the ballast, we are genuinely using only 42 watts, a saving of over 50%!
If fluorescent lights are being used in any area where they are on for more than just a couple of hours a day, then you should consider replacing them with LED Tubes. Yes, all the costs are up front, but the longer the lights are on, the shorter the payback period, and when that is done, you will be so far in front you will be thumbing your nose at the energy retailers!
100 x 36w fluorescent tubes running 8 hours a day will consume around $1896.00 worth of electricity per annum at the current tariff rate. With the introduction in Queensland of a 13 per cent price rise in July 2010, this will rise to $2142.00. As a comparison the same amount of 21w LED tubes will cost around $790.00, rising to around $895.00 after the 1st July. (Note: These figures are a guide only and actual costs could vary due to other influencing factors on the final outcome).
If you would like to find out more, give us a call or email us to make an appointment to discuss your requirements.
EMISSIONS TRADING SCHEME BACKDOWN OFFFERS LIMITED RELIEF ON ELECTRICITY PRICES
(The same situation applies in Queensland - Sinfin Lighting)
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), New South Wales’ pricing regulator has committed the state to significant increases in electricity prices despite Kevin Rudd pushing back an emissions trading scheme (ETS) until 2013.
Within New South Wales, homeowners and businesses were to see price increases of anywhere from 46 percent up to 64 percent depending on where they live and their current supplier over the next 3 years.
However NSW Energy Minister John Robertson says the ETS delay will cut the IPART approved price increases for Integral Energy customers by half, with customers of Energy Australia and Country Energy only seeing their price increase cut by a third.
The significant increases in electricity prices to be inflicted on NSW households despite the clawback of the ETS increase is seen as evidence of poor investment decisions by the NSW Labor Government by the opposition’s Duncan Gay.
“The fact is that 42 per cent increases remain and of that 42 per cent every dollar, every cent comes from the state government,” he said.
“This is the cost of them not renewing the infrastructure over the last decade or so and those costs remain.”
Energy Minister John Robertson was quick to point out that the NSW government’s planned electricity assistance package will still be available to struggling households despite the lower than expected increase.
“We’ll still pay the energy rebate. We’ll still index it in line with energy increases,” he said.
www.dynamicbusiness.com.au
· AER approves electricity network cost increases in Qld
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) yesterday released its draft determination on the costs that Queensland electricity distributors Energex and Ergon Energy will be able to recover for the provision of electricity distribution services over the period from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015. Electricity distributors charge fees to your energy retailer to deliver electricity to your home or business premises – these fees are passed on to end consumers and businesses in the form of higher electricity supply charges and usage charges.
Households and businesses in Ergon Energy’s network area (regional and rural Qld) will see an increase in network charges of 26 per cent in the first year followed by 4 per cent in the four years to 30 June 2015. Those living in Energex’s network area (South-east Queensland), will see increases of 21 per cent in 2010/11, followed by 6 per cent increases over the remaining four years.
The AER states that network charges represent roughly 40 per cent of the power bills paid by consumers, meaning that the average residential customer in Queensland would see annual electricity bills rising by $133 (around 9 per cent) in 2010-11 and by around $31 (approx. 2 per cent) each year thereafter.
The reasons for the AER’s decision to approve such hefty increases relate to increased investment required to support both a growing population and increases in peak demand. Apparently over the past 12 years Queensland’s population has swelled by 33 per cent whilst peak demand has exploded by 99 per cent.
switchwise.com.au
Worst Alternative Energy Sources Receive Most Attention
(NaturalNews) Energy solutions getting the most attention from politicians and the press are 25 to 1,000 times more polluting than the best available choices according to studies by Stanford professor Mark Jacobson. The findings were published in a recent issue of Energy and Environmental Science. Jacobson also testified about his research before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Jacobson, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Atmosphere/Energy Program at Stanford, headed the most comprehensive study to date which quantitatively evaluated electricity generation options. This project considered the impact on human health, security, climate, water supply, land use, wildlife, space requirements, reliability and sustainability. Jacobson received no funding from private companies, special interest groups or government agencies.
The comparisons were first made by calculating the impact as if each alternative alone were used to power every U.S. vehicle. All such vehicles were assumed to be efficient technology vehicles including battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells vehicles and flex fuel vehicles.
The study ranked the best to worst energy sources as following:
1.wind power
Jacobson's research indicates that wind power is the most promising option. This choice would result in a massive reduction in carbon and air pollution, saving lives prematurely lost in air pollution related deaths. Although wind farms require large areas of land, the space required is 30 percent less than the acreage required to grow crops for ethanol use, and the land between turbines can still be used as pasture, farmland or open space.
2.concentrated solar power (mirrors to heat fluid)
3.geothermal power
4.tidal power
5.solar photovoltaics (rooftop solar panels)
6.wave power
7.hydroelectric power
Jacobson is quoted in a December 2008 Stanford Report as saying, "There is a lot of talk among politicians that we need a massive jobs program to pull the economy out of the current recession. Well, putting people to work building wind turbines, solar plants, geothermal plants, electric vehicles and transmission lines would not only create jobs but would also reduce costs due to health care, crop damage and climate damage from current vehicle and electric power pollution, as well as provide the world with a truly unlimited supply of clean power."
The study advises against:
8.(tie) coal with carbon capture and sequestration
Although called "clean coal," this technology retains significant environmental drawbacks. This process does reduce the majority of carbon exhaust from a coal-fired plant, but does not remedy the substantial carbon emissions resulting from mining and transport of coal nor reduce the emission of other pollutants. In addition, plants using coal carbon capture and sequestration require approximately 25 percent more coal than traditional plants. In comparison to wind energy, these plants release 60 to 110 times more carbon and air pollution.
8.(tie) nuclear power
Nuclear power plants emit approximately 25 times more air pollution and carbon in comparison to wind energy. In addition to the dangers of nuclear waste storage, nuclear energy presents risk factors such as the spread of nuclear technology and potential use of refined uranium by terrorists.
9.biofuels: corn ethanol and cellulose ethanol.
These alternatives ranked dead last in the study. It was found that ethanol would cause more damage to wildlife, water supply and human health than current fossil fuel usage. Studies already indicate that ethanol appears to emit more climate-change pollutants than petroleum-based fuels.
Jacobson commented in the December 2008 Stanford Report, "Biofuels are the most damaging choice we could make in our efforts to move away from using fossil fuels. We should be spending to promote energy technologies that cause significant reductions in carbon emissions and air-pollution mortality, not technologies that have either marginal benefits or no benefits at all".
Sources
http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journ...
http://www.physorg.com/news14814970...
http://news-service.stanford.edu/ne...
LED Lights & Electrical Contractors
A lot of the work we get involved with happens to be commercial rather than domestic, as the savings are bigger due to the longer time lights are left on, and pay back periods are shorter.
With the continual predicted rise of electricity over the next 5 years, more and more businesses are concerning themselves with how they can save money on the running costs of their business. Obviously, an easy way is to change to LED lighting where savings are immediate but the costs are all up front.
It is interesting to note that one area where LED lighting is not popular is with the electrical contractors. In the last few weeks we have had calls from two of these companies who were asked to contact us in relation to the savings being offered by LED Lighting. One was referred by a Strata Management Company and one by the owner of a large business.
After listening to the advantages of our lighting, one of the contractors said , ‘…..but if they (The strata company who employs his services) change that will do me out of work as there will be no ongoing maintenance.”
The other went back to the owner and bagged LEDs for not having enough power, not enough light, no proof of claims made etc etc. Upon further investigation by us it was found that this electrical contactor is being paid between $10,000 and $15,000 per month by this company for replacement of tubes and maintenance work!
By recommending a change to LED Lighting, these contractors are doing themselves out of very lucrative maintenance contracts, which would not be required with the change of lighting. You don’t have to be Einstein to figure out why they do not recommend us!!!!! Talk about vested interests! This is certainly not doing the right thing by the Strata Management Companies or owners’ of businesses.
So please make up your own mind if you are interested in changing to LED Lighting and saving on your electricity running costs. Give us a call and let us show you the savings that are available. You have nothing to lose, but a whole lot of money to save!
(See our testimonials section for energy savings)
BEWARE OF ROGUE LED LIGHTING COMPANIES
One of the most recent spate of spam emails being sent around the world comes from less than scrupulous LED lighting companies, often located in China and other far-flung lands. Any unsolicited email should be treated with caution, and these are no exception. These companies are offering LED lighting for – supposedly – the lowest prices available anywhere, even though they seem to be companies with little more than a website and which have sprung from nowhere over night
As in any industry (eg Insulation) when people get a wiff of something new that they believe they can make money from it attracts the ‘cowboys’. These people know little or nothing about LEDs and have only one purpose in mind – to take your money and provide you with an inferior product. Remember that there are many different qualities of LED available. If you have heard someone say that the LEDs they purchased didn’t last, or had no power, chances are that the LEDs are of poor quality, but they probably charged a high price!
The sad fact is that where there is increased demand there will always be unscrupulous companies out to make a quick buck. A small amount of rogue companies are advertising LED light bulbs and energy saving lamps at “rock bottom” prices, both via spam email and through their own websites, and others such as E-bay. As LED and energy saving light bulbs do tend to be more expensive than traditional light bulbs, it’s important that you get the best price you can, but as part of the value of these new bulbs is their longevity of life. Buy from a poor manufacturer and you could well be making a false economy.
We have been providing commercial quality LED lighting all over Australia for over three years, and we have not had anyone tell us of their dissatisfaction with the product. In fact in one recent case, we were told the LED lights we supplied were too bright!
So do be careful when purchasing LEDs, it is definitely a case of buyer beware from whom you are buying, EITHER LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS.
E NEWS MARCH 2010
WESTERN AUSTRALIA GOES HI TECH!
The Port Hedland Port Authority have just taken delivery from us of 125 LED solar powered road studs. However where these are mainly used on roads instead of the old cats eyes, the Port Authority is going to use them as meterage markers along the face of the wharves. This will enable the ships pilot to see the wharf edge and situate the ship along side where required at night. They are using green to mark the ends and red to mark were the fuel discharge points are on the wharf.
QUEENSLAND AIR MUSEUM EMBRACES LED TECHNOLOGY
Queensland Air Museum at Caloundra has taken their first step of going green with their display lighting by utilizing our 1 meter long LED Aluminium Light Bar. These are being used to light up both the hanging and cabinet displays. LEDs are perfect for this situation as they do not project any infra red or UV radiation, which could have a detrimental effect on the artifacts.
REGATTA 1 BUSINESS CENTRE ON MONEY SAVING SPREE!
The Centre, situated at Kawana in Queensland and owned by Andrew Dean, has committed to changing all lights to LED to save money on ever spiraling electricity costs. His first step was to change his 50 watt MR16 halogen down lights for our 9w fluorescent replacements, and has now commenced changing his 36W fluorescent tubes for our 23 watt LED Tubes. Andrew estimates that by the time he has replaced all the fluorescent tubes, his cost will drop from $57.00 per week to just $27.00 per week!! He also found the LED tubes provided a much cleaner and brighter light than the previous 36 watt fluorescents.
RETIREMENT VILLAGES SEES THE LIGHT!
Living Choice retirement Village at Kawana and Twin Waters Retirement Village have both replaced their 50w halogens with our 9w MR16 fluorescent down lights. Mr Russ Dunstan, manager at Kawana, says their energy requirement in the Leisure Centre was over 4000 watts, but with the introduction of the new fluorescents that has been reduced to just over 890 watts!!! The Twin Waters Village will be reducing their requirements from 6500 watts down to 1170 watts! The Caloundra Rise Retirement Village has also adopted our fluoro down lights. Not only will they be drastically reducing their energy bills but also their carbon output.
A new range of LED lights both surface and flush mounted are now available. Ranging from an output of 675 lumens up 2200 lumens, these lights are a great idea to use above dining room tables, lounge rooms, offices etc. It is usually a simple matter to have an electrician connect these up to a separate switch, thereby not using your halogens at all. They range from 9 watts to 30 watts and WILL SAVE YOU a lot of money on energy bills. Contact us for recommendations.
RUNNING COSTS
Remember that every down light in your house you have running for about 5 hours per night costs you around $17.00 per year to run on the present electricity tariff. If you would like to find out how to reduce this to $1.77, have a look at our article called ‘The Real Cost of Lighting – Why The More Expensive Purchase Actually Costs Less’ , and our ‘Comparison of Running Costs’. There is a good comparison for businesses on the Home Page, and domestic inside the Newsletters Section. Until next time. Paul Sinclair
Electricity Prices
* Reporter: Helen Wellings
* Broadcast Date: January 07, 2010
If you think you're paying more than enough for your home energy, you're in for a shock.
Prices have been rising, but over the next few years, get set for electricity bills to soar. But while we have to fork out more, energy company bosses are taking huge salary increases and thousands of dollars in performance bonuses.
Expect unrelenting price hikes. Electricity and gas, essential services, will no longer be so affordable.
Complaints about bills have doubled in 5 years. Already tens of thousands of families have had their power cut off for non-payment of bills.
Ben Freund of energy price comparison service GoSwitch.com.au, says some energy companies charge far more than others and states prices differ.
"Victorian consumers can pay an extra $100 to $150 more this year," Freund said.
"In New South Wales we actually believe that the price of electricity will increase by about 100% over the next 4 years, average users spending say, $1200 per annum or $1500 per annum. So in four years time, people could be looking at spending $3000 per annum. Certainly prices will go up in Queensland as well."
Peter Walton got the shock of his life when his electricity bills tripled from the usual $300 to $982 last September quarter.
"For an electricity bill it was unbelievable, $900 for a quarter. I wasn't doing anything that was excessive, I had a couple of lamps, TV, air conditioning, but I turn it on and off, one person alone," Peter said.
"Everyone says it's got to be a mistake, everyone except for the electricity people," said Peter.
Peter's been forced to make a drastic changes.
"I thought I am going to move in with a friend and split the bills otherwise I was going to pay electricity bills and not be able to have any sort of lifestyle."
Energy company bosses won't feel the pinch. A new report by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal reveals fatter than ever salaries and performance bonuses - up to $740,000 a year.
THE REAL COSTS OF LIGHTING
WHY THE MORE EXPENSIVE PURCHASE ACTUALLY COSTS LESS
There is no question that the purchase of LED lamps is significantly higher than that of either of its CFL or halogen counterparts.
But the purchase price is not the full story. The cost of anything, light bulbs included, is what it costs to both buy AND use. What is known as the Total Cost of Ownership.
When talking about buying light bulbs most people tend to notice the cost of the bulbs. What they don’t instinctively grasp is that where the cost of domestic or commercial lighting is concerned, the cost of the light bulbs is almost totally irrelevant. Put another way, whatever the initial cost of purchasing your LED Lights, divide by 25 (50,000 hours compared to an average of 2000 hours for a halogen gives a ratio of 25:1) to arrive at the true purchase price compared to a halogen light bulb.
But that is just the capital cost. You also need to factor in the fact that LED lighting uses a fraction of the energy required to power conventional lighting. Also consider whereas halogen and GLS lamps waste up to 90% of their input energy as heat (not light), LED light bulbs output almost no heat in comparison with almost all the energy converted to pure light.
Let’s say the accepted standard of electricity is 20 cents per kilowatt hour and our comparison will be over the life time of our LED lamp, which is running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our 50w halogen thus costs you $550 worth of electricity over 50,000 hours, and has to be replaced on average 25 times, giving a total cost of ownership of $650.00 for one light!
Our LED rated at 5w, costs $60.00 over the same period and does not have to be replaced, giving a total cost of ownership of $130.00. At a purchase price of $70.00, the LED costs less to run over its lifetime than it does to buy. (Based on current electricity charges which are set to increase over the next 5 years). This is simply unheard of in a light bulb. The bottom line is that the ‘cheap’ halogen bulb at $4.00 purchase price, is actually in real money terms $620.00 more expensive to own and run. And that is just one bulb!
The startling truth is that even if halogen lights were completely free and a LED costs $70.00 each then it would still be orders of magnitude more cost effective and energy saving to buy LED Lights. That’s because the cost of lighting is the cost of electricity, the energy. And that is the reason for all the fuss and legislation about energy saving and low energy lights. It doesn’t matter a rats what the light bulbs cost; what it costs to run them is all that really counts.
JANUARY 2010 E NEWS
ELECTRICITY PRICES TO RISE ANOTHER
13 PER CENT AND MORE RISES TO COME!!
WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ELECTRICITY BILL?
While we can all add insulation, use energy efficient appliances, add solar panels, change to energy efficient water heaters etc, THE EASIEST THING TO DO TO SAVE MONEY IS TO CHANGE YOUR LIGHT BULBS!
Remember the days when our living room was lit up with one 100w incandescent globe? Now because it is trendy, we have eight or ten or even twenty 50w halogen down lights to do the same thing! While the government is all about saving energy, they are obviously not very serious about the issue or they would have banned halogen lights not incandescent globes! So if you have just 10 halogen downlights you are using 500 watts of energy instead of 100! Where you could have been paying $36.50 a year to light up your lounge room, (based on 5 hours per day, 7 days a week) you are now paying around $182.00! (more if you use them in a business premises). If you replaced these halogen down lights in your home or business with LEDs, your power bill for the 10 down lights would be about $20.00 pa. And if you think LED down lights have no output, then you haven’t seen our LEDs. One thing is for sure; in the future, we are all going to have to get used to lower levels of illumination.
Give us a call and find out how much money we can save you on your electricity bill. In many cases, this may only be a bulb change. We have LED and CFL energy efficient globes for down lights in both 240V and 12V, LED replacements for fluorescent tubes, LEDs in bayonet and screw fittings and many more. Don’t wait – give us a call now and make an appointment to come to our office, or we can come to you. If you have your own preferred electrician, please have him give us a call.
According to the Government, the price of electricity will continue to escalate until 2015!