Windhoek — National power utility NamPower says from September this year it will distribute thousands of energy-saving bulbs to all urban centres across the country.

Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communications, John Kaimu, yesterday said the company had made progress in ensuring that distribution starts in September.

Two months ago, NamPower announced that it had budgeted N$14 million for the purchase of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) to be distributed for free to Namibians in a move intended to counter power shortages widely expected in the southern African region.

Kaimu said the project would be officially launched during the last week of August when distribution of the 900 000 bulbs will start.

"Once launched, we will start with distribution in Windhoek and then it will be rolled out to the regions," he said.

Although he could not say from where the bulbs will be procured, Kaimu assured that the bulbs would be available before the end of August.

NamPower initiated the project together with the Electricity Control Board (ECB) and the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

"The bulbs will reduce energy by about 20 MW of power currently used," said NamPower's Managing Director Paulinus Shilamba.