An enlightening collaboration between Walmart and GE

Walmart was an early proponent of compact fluorescent light bulbs and now, thanks to a collaboration with GE, it plans to introduce low cost LED light bulbs under its Great Value store brand.

The energy-efficient LED, or light-emitting diode, technology provides the same quality and appearance of traditional lightbulbs, but LEDs are 80% more efficient, emit 40% less heat and last 25 times longer. By replacing all of the lightbulbs in their homes with energy-efficient LEDs that Walmart is selling for less than $10 customers can save an average of $129 per year, according to Walmart.

"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, EVP 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 $8.88; a Great Value dimmable 60-watt equivalent LED for $9.88; a Great Value Indoor flood non-dimmable 65-watt equivalent LED for $14.88; and a Great Value indoor flood Dimmable 65-watt equivalent for $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.

In addition to the Great Value offering, Walmart will offer one GE brand 60-watt equivalent dimmable bulb.

"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."