A Tenby business which replaced hundreds of lightbulbs with energy efficient models has achieved major savings on its power bills. Department store T.P. Hughes and Son had fitted 300 50-watt halogen bulbs when it refurbished the ground floor of its High Street store. The effect was stunning, but the company's electricity costs soared. "It basically quadrupled overnight,' said director, Chris Hughes. This prompted the company to re-evaluate the store's energy efficiency through PLANED's Energy Savers project. It quickly realised that it could make big savings by simply fitting low energy light bulbs. "These bulbs are only nine-watt and they last so much longer than standard light bulbs,' said Mr. Hughes. It is energy efficiencies like these that PLANED wants to encourage other businesses to make and is the reason behind its 'Green Zone' at the Pembrokeshire Business Zone event at Haverfordwest on February 28. PLANED is financially supporting the Pembrokeshire Business Zone to enable new businesses in Pembrokeshire to secure stand space at a very much reduced rate. This, says PLANED, will open the doors to valuable networking opportunities. In addition, the Green Zone will give the business community the chance to access information on how they can save money and help protect the environment. "This will be an excellent opportunity for businesses in Pembrokeshire to get advice on how they can save money through simple energy efficiency measures,' said Jo Brookman, PLANED's energy and recycling officer. "Not only will this help them to make real savings, but they can use their green credentials to promote themselves to their customers.' Mr. Hughes said this was becoming increasingly important. "Our customers expect us to be doing our bit to protect the environment,' he said. "We are trying to be as green as we can by such measures as having recyclable bags and 'bags for life'.' At the Green Zone, businesses can meet suppliers of environmentally friendly products such as recycled packaging, renewable energy installations or business waste recycling. There will also be opportunities to access advice on how to become more environmentally aware or to reduce CO2 emissions from organisations such as Envirowise. "Many of these advisers will be local suppliers of green technology, such as Dorrell Renewables,' said Jo Brookman. She can be contacted for more information about the Green Zone on (01834) 862119. Stands at the Pembrokeshire Business Zone event can be booked through Claire Staley on 01646 695300.