Jun 8 2009
Puget Sound Energy announced today that the utility has now distributed more than 10 million free and discounted compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to its more than 1 million electric customers in Western Washington since the residential lighting program launched in 2002.
PSE residential electric customers have taken advantage of discounted CFL bulbs through local retailers, events and promotions, and there is now an average of 10 energy-saving bulbs in use for every customer in the utility's 9-county electric service area.
"Our customers understand that even a decision as small as the light bulbs they choose can make a big difference," said Cal Shirley, vice president of Energy Efficiency Services for PSE. "CFL bulbs will help PSE customers save a collective $430 million in energy costs over the lifetime of these 10 million bulbs, and lower their carbon emissions by the equivalent of 38,000 gallons of gasoline."
CFL bulbs are 75 percent more efficient than traditional, incandescent types and last up to ten times longer. For example, a 13-watt CFL bulb can replace a 60-watt incandescent bulb without compromising light quality. Consumers who install CFL bulbs in high-use areas, such as porch lights, can save as much as $60 each year simply by changing five light bulbs.
CFL bulbs come in many different types and styles for various uses throughout the home, and product packaging details proper use for each type of bulb. ENERGY STAR® qualified light fixtures maximize energy savings, and many qualify for PSE purchase rebates and discounts.
Though safe to use in the home, CFL bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury, so used CFL bulbs should be recycled. PSE offers free recycling of CFL bulbs at 14 office locations. Used, unbroken CFL bulbs can be placed in the labeled bins in the office lobbies. Free CFL bulb recycling is also available at Bartell Drugs stores, Home Depot, IKEA, and county and municipal household hazardous waste locations.
For a complete list of CFL bulb recycling locations as well as showrooms and retailers offering PSE discounts and incentives, visit www.PSE.com or call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.