LIGHTS OUT ON BIG SWITCH CAMPAIGN, CONGRATULATIONS QLD!

Queenslanders have responded to the Bligh Government's Big Light Switch campaign loud and clear, with all one million energy-saving light bulbs given out much faster than anticipated this week.

Premier Anna Bligh said the campaign had been a stunning success and a record for the biggest 'green' giveaway in Australia with Queenslanders flooding newsagents and post offices this week.

"Most of the light bulbs were claimed within 24 hours," Ms Bligh said.

"They were walking out newsagents' doors on Sunday and there were long queues before post offices even opened on Monday - by COB yesterday, Australia Post outlets had run out of stock.

"Demand for the free compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs was very encouraging and I congratulate everyone who made the Big Light Switch for a ClimateSmart future.

"Now the challenge for Queenslanders is to install their light bulbs, so they can start saving money, energy, and ultimately, the planet."

Ms Bligh urged people to install their bulbs in time to enter the prize draw for one of three major prizes, including a brand new Honda Hybrid.

"There are a number of green bulbs out there yet to be claimed, so install yours as quickly as you can to see if you're an instant winner,"she said

The competition closes at 5pm on Monday, November 17.

Ms Bligh said those people who had missed out on their free light bulbs this week could purchase their own for about $10 each.

"Households can recoup that cost in the light bulb's first year in use," she said.

"If people replace just one conventional light bulb with a CFL in their home, they will save about $11 a year.

"Just one conventional incandescent bulb uses the same amount of electricity as five CFLs. And our planet will also breathe a lot easier for it.

"If 1 million incandescent bulbs are replaced with energy-saving ones, Queenslanders will save a total of $11 million every year on their electricity bills and cut our greenhouse gas emissions by a massive 72,000 tonnes - that is almost the yearly emissions from all the households in Warwick!'

Ms Bligh said the overwhelming response to her Government's Big Light Switch campaign would go some way to meeting the Q2 2020 Target of cutting by one-third Queenslanders' carbon footprint with reduced car and electricity use.

"This campaign is an example of what Q2 is all about - individual Queenslanders making ClimateSmart choices to make a real difference to our environment."

Ends

CONTACT: Premier's Office - 3224 4500