High Efficiency Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Uniondale, NY - March 13, 2006 - Home lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of electricity costs for the average Long Island home, and the average home has more than 30 light fixtures. That's why the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) strongly recommends the use of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL's) and reminds its customers that LIPA remains committed to promoting high quality ENERGY STAR lighting products. Since 1999, LIPA has raised consumer awareness about ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting products through its Residential Lighting Program, as part of the LIPA's Clean Energy Initiative (CEI). The CEI, fostered by Governor George Pataki, the CEI is a 10-year, $355-million commitment to promote clean, renewable electric generation technologies and energy conservation and efficiency. The Long Island region is on the leading edge of a growing nationwide trend. According to a recent Associated Press (AP) article, "The lighting industry has created brighter, cheaper compact fluorescent lamps, or CFL's, that seem to be catching on among homeowners determined to trim high energy expenses," AP reported. "CFL use has climbed from 2.3 percent of the bulb market in 1999 to 5.6 percent this year." As a result of LIPA's Residential Lighting Program incentives, a total of 2,623,652 ENERGY STAR qualified CFL's and 178,354 high-efficiency fixtures were purchased by LIPA customers in conjunction with LIPA program offerings. To date on Long Island, almost 15 megawatts (MW) of electricity have been conserved through the use of CFL's. That's enough electricity to power 15,000 average-sized homes. "The Residential Lighting Program began with a $7 coupon on ENERGY STAR CFLs in 1999. At that time, the average price of a CFL was $12.48," said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel. "Today, as a result of growing awareness, the average price of an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL has fallen to $5.07. With use of the LIPA instant coupon of $1.50, the $3.57 price tag makes it an easier choice for consumers." Why Choose CFLs? CFL's on average, use 75% less energy than a comparable incandescent bulb while providing the same level of brightness. For example, a 14 watt CFL is equivalent to a 60 watt incandescent bulb. Also, at 5 hours a day an ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL will last 3.29 years, while an incandescent bulb would last only 6 months. This saves consumers money on their electric bills while creating less pollution, a by-product of energy production and consumption. With an average lifespan of 8,000 hours, it also means fewer trips to the store to purchase replacement bulbs, and less time and hassle changing them. Using a 15 watt CFL in place of a 60 watt incandescent bulb will save LIPA customers $10.26 per bulb, per year. The 15 wattCFL would cost $3.42 per year while the 60 watt incandescent would cost $13.68. Using a 32 watt CFL in place of a 100 watt incandescent bulb will save LIPA customers $15.50 per bulb, per year. The 32 watt CFL would cost $7.29 per year while the 100 watt incandescent would cost $22.79. Additionally, today's CFLs are much improved from the original version. CFLs are now available in a variety of styles such as mini-spirals, A-lamps (which look similar to incandescent bulbs), globes (often used in vanity lighting), and reflectors or flood lamps. With the choices available to consumers today, LIPA is proud to sponsor products such as ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, which will help to preserve Long Island's natural resources for future generations. Pledge for Quality In 2005, LIPA made a pledge to rebate more third party tested bulbs than ever before, and the results were overwhelming. By working closely with manufacturers LIPA was able to promote select models for the "Change A Light, Change the World" promotion held last fall. The promotion was held over a ten-week period and resulted in sales of more than 360,000 ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL models that have passed third party testing. While other utilities and energy efficiency groups in the Northeast held similar Change A Light promotions, Long Island retail partners led the way in sales. Out of 74 total stores participating in the region, those in the top ten for volume were LIPA ENERGY STAR retail partners. As a result of this partnership, 60 percent of the total CFLs rebated by LIPA last year were third party tested. In 2005, 605,798 CFL's were rebated with 383,402 being 3rd party tested. An Early Start to Earth Day!!! Since everyday is Earth Day at LIPA, Starting March 6th through April 30th, LIPA will launch an early promotion in advance of Earth Day. LIPA residential customers will be eligible to purchase ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs in multi-packs (more than one bulb per package) at $1 off per bulb. Instant rebate coupons will be available at participating LIPA ENERGY STAR retail partners that carry multi-bulb packages of CFLs. By switching to ENERGY STAR qualified lighting in your home, you can save money, energy and the environment. To learn more about LIPA's Clean Energy Initiative and energy efficient products, visit LIPA's Web site at www.lipower.org/cei or call 1-800-692-2626. LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric system, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System (T&D) on Long Island and provides electric service to over 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. In terms of customers served, LIPA is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in the nation and the 6th largest in terms of electricity delivered. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island electric generating assets. ### Contact Information: Press Release 3/13/06 1:26 PM Eastern |
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