Ukraine has begun replacing millions of conventional light bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs as part of European Union (EU) support to help the country cope with energy shortages caused by Russian bombing.
For months now, Moscow forces have been waging a campaign of systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to cut off power and heat from the people in the middle of winter.
The attacks caused widespread power outages across Ukraine, and in December the EU announced that it had allocated 30 million euros to buy 30 million LED light bulbs to help Ukrainians reduce their energy consumption.
“This week, a program was launched to replace old light bulbs with energy-saving LED ones,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Chmygal said on Twitter.
In the large hall of the Kyiv main post office, illuminated by four impressive chandeliers, the residents of the capital gathered this Friday at counter 18, where the exchange takes place.
“We started the exchange process on Monday. A lot of people come every day,” Natalia said behind the counter in her mail form, quoted by AFP.
The Prime Minister said that more than 750,000 light bulbs were replaced in three days, and next week six million LEDs will be sent to the regions of Ukraine for installation.
The official also thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is in Kyiv for the Ukraine-European Union summit, which is also attended by European Council President Charles Michel.
Ursula von der Leyen and Denis Chmyhal visited the Kyiv main post office together on Thursday to see the exchange, according to a video released by the press service of the Ukrainian government.
“We are working tirelessly together to rebuild vital energy infrastructure,” Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday. “LED lamps are available to all Ukrainians at post offices,” he added.
The President of the European Commission also announced that the EU could supply 35 million LEDs, five million more than originally promised.
In December, the person in charge already pointed out that LED lamps consume 88% less electricity than older generation lamps.