A large-scale programme to exchange incandescent light bulbs for energy-saving lamps called “Together We Bring Light!” has been completed in Ukraine. More than 8 million Ukrainians have joined the programme, initiated at the end of 2022 by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supported by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. They exchanged 40 million old incandescent light bulbs for modern LED lamps. The project was implemented by the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Ukrposhta with the support of the European Union.
The programme was launched in late January 2023 at Ukrposhta offices in regional centres and major cities. A week later, Ukrainians were able to exchange lamps in cities of district subordinance, and two weeks later – in the most remote villages. Thanks to the extensive network of Ukrposhta branches, the exchange of lamps was organised among a wide range of people. Later, legal entities such as children’s schools, kindergartens, medical institutions and condominiums also joined the programme.
Ukrainians exchanged traditional incandescent bulbs for energy-saving ones, helping the country to save electricity. The most active regions were Kyiv region, with 4.2 million light bulbs replaced, Lviv region – 3.2 million, Dnipropetrovsk region – 3.1 million and Kharkiv region – 2.3 million.
“Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, Ukrposhta has been helping Ukrainians and the state where it is most difficult. From evacuation to energy. That is why, understanding the challenges facing the country’s energy system, Ukrposhta made sure that every Ukrainian could receive energy-saving lamps. And we have fulfilled this task by 100%, delivering LED lamps even to the most remote locations on the map of our country. Thanks to the fact that our citizens exchanged 40 million incandescent bulbs for more energy-efficient ones, the country has saved about 2 GW of energy capacity, which is equal to the capacity of two nuclear power units,” commented Igor Smelyansky, CEO of Ukrposhta.
40 million LED lamps were provided to Ukraine by the European Union as part of an EU-funded programme to support the Ukrainian energy sector.
“Energy efficiency for Ukraine is now not only a matter of transition to EU environmental standards, but also a matter of our survival in the face of constant attacks on energy infrastructure by russia. Every kilowatt saved is valuable nowadays. The Together We Bring Light programme is a simple but important step that the EU has helped Ukrainians take towards energy efficiency at the household level. During the programme, 40 million less incandescent light bulbs have been used in Ukraine, which, according to our estimates, will save up to 1 GW of electricity. We are very grateful to all EU countries for this show of solidarity with Ukraine. This support is very important to us. It shows that Ukraine is part of a large European family. Together we will be able to overcome the most difficult challenges,” said Deputy Minister of Economy Nadiya Bihun.
According to Katarina Mathernova, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, the “Together We Bring Light” programme has demonstrated the unity of Ukrainians, their determination to resist the russian aggressor both at the front and in the rear, using all, even the smallest, opportunities. It also showed how quickly and effectively the European Union responds to Ukraine’s urgent needs in times of war, and that energy is a vital, strategic need. The EU is taking all possible steps to support the Ukrainian energy sector in the extremely difficult conditions ahead of winter.
Every Ukrainian had the opportunity to exchange up to 5 incandescent light bulbs for the same number of LED lamps directly at Ukrposhta offices or by pre-ordering them in the Diia app.
“During the full-scale war, we have launched dozens of relevant services in Diia that simplify people’s lives. One of them is the exchange of light bulbs. With just a few clicks, Ukrainians could order the exchange of ordinary light bulbs for energy-saving ones to reduce the load on the power system. As a result, Ukrainians exchanged a total of 40 million light bulbs under the programme, including 4 million through applications in Diia, and contributed to improving the situation with lighting. I am grateful to the European Union for its cooperation in the energy sector and further support in this area,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development and Minister of Digital Transformation. (Government portal)