Alexandria Echo Press: Save Money and Energy With the Twist of Energy-Efficient Bulbs
Filed under: Earth 911 - October 5, 2007
Saving money and energy this year can be as simple as installing an Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL).
From October 1 through November 30, 2007, Alexandria Light and Power (ALP) and Runestone Electric Association (REA) are encouraging Minnesota residents to “Change the World” one light, one step at a time by replacing their standard light bulbs with Energy Star qualified CFLs.
By changing to energy efficient CFLs, a household can save more than $60 a year in energy costs, reducing utility bills as well as saving energy and preserving the environment.
Alexandria Light and Power and Runestone Electric Association are helping their residential electric customers make the simple switch to energy efficient lighting by offering a $2 instant cash-back rebate on Energy Star qualified CFL purchases of 12 bulbs or less.
With the instant rewards, the bulbs will sell for as little as 99 cents at participating Ace Hardware Stores (Alexandria, Morris, Glenwood and Long Prairie) and Menards. The program is being held in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) national “Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World” campaign.
“Most people don’t realize that the energy they use in their homes can be responsible for twice the air pollution as their car,” said Wendy Reed of the Energy Star program [at the U.S. EPA]. “Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures is a simple way to do your part to reduce the pollution that causes global warming. If we all simply changed the five lights we use most to Energy Star qualified ones, together we’d prevent the greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars.”
Not only do Energy Star qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than typical incandescent light bulbs, CFLs also offer superior performance by lasting up to 10 times longer than their old-fashioned counterparts. Today’s CFLs provide bright, warm light and require replacement far less often, saving consumers and businesses both time and money.
Lighting products that earn the Energy Star offer extra safety and convenience features as well. CFLs generate approximately 75 percent less heat than standard incandescent lighting, which means they are cooler to the touch while helping reduce household cooling costs at the same time. With the wide variety of CFL shapes, sizes and styles available, energy-efficient lighting can be used throughout the home all year round.
Most people want to do their part to help the environment, but they simply don’t know where to start. Choosing Energy Star qualified lighting for the home is a simple action everyone can take to save time, energy and money, and help preserve our environment for future generations.
CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, which is harmful to the environment. Minnesota State prohibits placing CFL lamps in the garbage. For options on recycling, go to: www.minnesota.earth911.org or www.pca.state.mn.us. There is no charge for Alexandria Light and Power and Runestone Electric Association members to properly dispose of used fluorescent bulbs at the Pope Douglas Solid Waste Management Recycling Center at 2115 South Jefferson Street in Alexandria. Hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. The phone number is (320) 763-9340.
To contact Alexandria Light and Power, call (320) 763-6501 (www.alputilities.com). To contact Runestone Electric Association, call (320) 762-1121 or 1-800-473-1722 (www.runstoneelectric.com).
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