There are simple steps that everyone can take to save money and electricity. Try some of these:

• For existing installations, simply changing your existing incandescent light bulbs to energy efficient fluorescent bulbs is the quickest and simplest way to cut your energy use.
• If you are planning a new build or a new lighting scheme, installing energy efficient fittings will save you money and save the enviroment.
• Encourage all members of your household to turn off lights every time they leave the room.
• Where possible install two-way switching for staircases, halls and rooms with more than one door. Push button time switches and sensor lights are ideal for stairways and garages.
• Turn off lights in areas not being used.
• Open curtains in the morning, rather than turning on the light.
• Paint rooms in light colours, as this aids reflection of available light.
• Use desk or standard lamps where most light is needed, so less lighting is required in the rest of the room.
• Halogen desk lamps are more efficient than incandescent ones, as they consume only 25-35% of the energy and last 2-4 times longer than an incandescent lamp while giving the same light output.
• Clean lamps and fittings - over time, dirt build up reduces light output.
• Use fluorescent tubes, they use a quarter of the electricity consumed by ordinary bulbs and last around eight times longer.
• Light dimmers save you money and can extend the life of incandescent lamps.
• For security lighting, install time, motion or light sensing switches.