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Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has stepped up efforts to save the nation from the perennial power shortage expected to extensively loom over the Southern Africa region in the run up to the FIFA 2010 soccer world cup.

The Corporation has plans to swap ordinary incandescent globes with Compact fluorescent lamp bulbs (CFL) across the country an exercise expected to save approximately 30 MW an equivalent to 1 generation unit at a power station.

“Our expectations and plans are to roll out these CFLs during the first quarter of 2010,” said Tlhomamiso Selato Acting Marketing and Communications Manager at the Corporation.

“In addition, this will minimize load shedding and keep lights on this winter.

Moreso, less electricity usage by CFL bulbs means a reduction in green house emissions such as mercury into the environment as less coal is burnt from the power plants,” added Selato citing that CFLs uses up to 80% less electricity.

The development comes at a time when BPC is making several initiatives in line with its strategic goal of saving power given the shortfall facing the country.

The Corporation aims to replace 1 million bulbs countrywide as part of its commitment to save 30 MW of power through the CFL project.

Local contractors registered with Public Procurement Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) will be engaged to carry out the exchange exercise in various villages under the supervision of BPC personnel.

Each house hold will be given a maximum number of 8 CFLs during the swapping exercise.

Apart from the initiative being aimed at the whole country where electricity has been connected, it will however be limited to villages that have been connected as at April 2008.

In addition BPC says CFL bulbs will not only save electricity but also means reduction in green house emissions such as mercury into the environment as less coal is burnt from the power plants

Another power saving project which the Corporation is already working on is Hot Water Load Control (HWLC) expected to save close 40 MW from water heaters.