The high cost of electricity—with costs ranging between 6.3 cents and 84.8 cents per kWh—is making the energy-efficient LED lamp a target of thieves, from small single-bulb thefts in hotel rooms to 40,000-bulb robberies.

In a peculiar endorsement of the popularity and efficiency of LED lamps, theft of the popular bulbs is a growing issue around the world as energy rates climb into high double digits per kWh is some countries.

“Even in the US and Canada, where energy rates are much lower than in Europe, bulb theft in hotels is very high,” said Stephen Naor of Leapfrog Lighting. “When thieves target LED lamps, it indicates just how desirable they are in the market.”

In a poll, 57% of hotel visitors admit to having stolen bulbs from hotel, according to The Telegraph. This is second only to towels, and ahead of Bibles, curtains, artwork, picture frames and cutlery. This isn’t discouraging widespread adoption of LED lamps in hotels though—where energy expenses still outweigh theft costs.

High relative energy costs were probably the motive in a major robbery of a warehouse in Chile, where electricity rates average 23.1 cents per kWh.

40,000 valuable LED lamps were stolen in Santiago, according to Chile’s national police. In Chile, the average Chilean family only earns $240 per month, making the average $28 per household energy bill a major expense.

In Gateshead, UK, ten valuable LED street lights were stolen from Askew Road. Truckers now routinely install anti-theft devices to help prevent the theft of LED lamps on trucks.

“Thefts such as these highlight the value of LED lamps to the consumer,” said Mr. Naor. “We already tend to complain about energy rates in the US and Canada, but it’s set to keep increasing. Worldwide energy rates are much closer to the reality of supply and demand, particularly with dwindling resources and the push to save the environment.”

As of 2013, the US consumes 61 million tons of coal, 1.6 million barrels of oil, 335,000 tons of Petroleum Coke and 588 million Mcf of Natural Gas, making it inevitable electricity rates will continue to rise as these non-renewable resources rise in price.

As of 2012, the average retail price in the US for electricity was 11.91 cents per kWh, up from 8.72 cents only nine years before, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Around the world, electricity rates are a direct indicator of LED lamp adoption, with the highest usage in countries with the highest per kWh cost. Notably, LED lamps are a mainstream choice.

Electricity rates, as of 2012 ranged from 6.3 cents in parts of Canada, to 84.8 cents in the Solomon Islands:

• Australia: 22 cents to 46.56
• Belgium 29.08
• Brazil 24.20
• Canada  6.3 to 11.8
• Denmark 40.38
• Germany 31.41
• Mexico 19.28
• Netherlands 28.89
• Japan 20 to 24
• Solomon Islands 84.8
• United States 8-17
• United States Virgin Islands 50.8 to 54.8
• Vanuatu 58

Sources various: Electric Power Monthly, Bloomberg News,  European Commission Eurostat