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Electricity customers can save with compact fluorescent bulbs

MINNEAPOLIS - Compact fluorescent light bulbs are less expensive than ever, and electricity customers could save as much as $60 a year on their bills by using compact fluorescent bulbs to replace their homes’ five most frequently used incandescent light bulbs.

Through Nov. 30, Energy Star-rated compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL’s) can be purchased for as little as 99 cents, thanks to a rebate program from Xcel Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, General Electric and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. Customers can receive a $2 instant rebate for Energy Star-rated CFL’s at participating Twin Cities Ace Hardware stores, while supplies last.

“Now is a great time to consider replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs,” said Kim Sherman, Xcel Energy product portfolio manager for lighting. “Not only do Energy Star-rated CFL’s use up to 75 percent less energy than typical incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer, they provide better lighting than ever before and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.”

Sherman said the lights most frequently used in the home typically are the kitchen ceiling light, living room table lamp, living room floor lamp, bathroom vanity light and outdoor porch or post lamp.

“The more incandescent bulbs you can replace with CFLs, the more energy and money you save,” Sherman said.

For more information about the compact fluorescent bulb rebate program and participating hardware stores, go to http://www.mwalliance.org and click on “Change a Light 2004.”