Walmart today announced the launch of a Great Value line of LED lightbulbs for less than US$10 in all of its U.S. stores, with the goal of making LED lightbulbs more accessible and affordable for consumers. The new line will be available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and Walmart.com.

The energy-efficient LED, or light-emitting diode, technology provides the same quality and appearance of traditional lightbulbs, but LEDs are 80 percent more efficient, emit 40 percent less heat and last 25 times longer. By replacing all of the lightbulbs in their homes with energy-efficient LEDs, customers can save an average of US$129 per year.

"Walmart makes purchasing LED a simple choice for consumers through the new low price and package design that is easy to understand. Consumers get excellent light output that is more reliable, convenient, better for the environment and saves money in the long run," said Steve Bratspies, executive vice president of general merchandise for Walmart.

Walmart's new Great Value line includes 26 LED lightbulb types, including a non-dimmable 60-watt equivalent LED that will retail for US$8.88; a Great Value dimmable 60-watt equivalent LED for US$9.88; a Great Value Indoor flood non-dimmable 65-watt equivalent LED for US$14.88; and a Great Value indoor flood Dimmable 65-watt equivalent for US$15.88. The Great Value LED packaging simplifies the transition to LED for consumers by clearly outlining wattage equivalency, estimated energy cost savings and incandescent cost comparisons on the front of the package.

Building on a history of collaborative innovation between Walmart and General Electric (GE), the retailer will also offer a new, dimmable 60-watt equivalent GE LED lightbulb for less than US$11. 

"GE and Walmart have worked in close concert for more than a decade to pioneer new applications for commercial LEDs," said John Strainic, GE Consumer Lighting General Manager. "We've taken the good collaboration we've made with Walmart to increase the energy efficiency of their facilities, and are beginning to make the same in-roads in the consumer lighting aisle."

Walmart's Overall Focus on Energy Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency is an integral component of Walmart's overall sustainability goals and daily operations. The company began using LED freezer case lighting in 2005 to reduce energy consumption, which has now become a retail industry standard and has contributed to driving the growth of the LED industry. Walmart has also incorporated LEDs into its parking lot and sales floor lighting in nearly all of its global markets. Additionally, through its Sustainability Index, Walmart has worked with its suppliers to improve energy efficiency through the supply chain of various product categories, including televisions, plastic toys, small appliances and greeting cards. By working with suppliers, Index energy scores have already improved 23 percent in general merchandise categories.