|
News Releases
10/5/2006
Save on energy bills with 99-cent compact fluorescent bulbs
MINNEAPOLIS - Compact fluorescent light bulbs are less expensive and more versatile than ever, and using them in place of just five traditional incandescent bulbs could save electricity customers as much as $50 a year on their bills.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce and Xcel Energy are encouraging customers to save electricity by using compact fluorescent bulbs to replace their homes' five most frequently used incandescent light bulbs. Between Oct. 2 and Nov. 30, Energy Star-rated compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) can be purchased for as little as 99 cents, thanks to a $2 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 get the $2 instant rebate for Energy Star-rated CFLs at participating Twin Cities Ace Hardware stores, while supplies last.
"Using compact fluorescent light bulbs in place of traditional incandescent bulbs in high-use areas is a quick and easy way to reduce electricity use, lower utility bills and help protect the environment," said Kim Sherman, product portfolio manager for Xcel Energy. "Compact fluorescent bulbs pay for themselves a lot faster because they are so much less expensive, and there are now more than a dozen varieties of bulbs."
Sherman pointed out that "Energy Star"-qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs, and the bulbs also offer superior performance by lasting up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Compact fluorescents come in a variety of styles, including the widely used "twist" bulbs (available in 15, 20, 26 and 32 watts); 3-way bulbs (30/70/100 watts); "A-line" or traditionally shaped bulbs (15 watts), flood light (65 watts); dimmable flood (65 watts) and outdoor flood (90 watts).
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.
The rebate 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.
For more information about the "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign, contact MEEA at 888-476-9548 or visit the MEEA Web site at www.mwalliance.org/cal2006.
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. In terms of customers, it is the fourth-largest combination natural gas and electricity company in the nation. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis. More information is available at www.xcelenergy.com.
About the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is a regional network of organizations collaborating to promote energy efficiency. MEEA's vision is to be a leader in rising and sustaining the level of energy efficiency in the Midwest region by fostering increased market penetration of existing energy efficient technologies and promoting new technologies, products and best practices, including renewable energy.
MEEA's goal is to provide a collective voice at a national and regional level; act as a clearinghouse to identify, evaluate and create successful programs and market assessments for the region; and foster communication on effective energy policy. Formed in 1999, MEEA's strategy is to develop innovative programs that achieve measurable and verifiable results.
About the Minnesota Department of Commerce
The Minnesota Department of Commerce's mission is to ensure equitable commercial and financial transactions and reliable utility services by: regulating and licensing business activity in more than 20 industries; investigating and resolving consumer complaints; advocating the public's interest before the Public Utilities Commission; and, administering various state programs.
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. Today, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR program offers businesses and consumers energy efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 8,000 organizations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.
|
