Duke Energy Ohio and GE Collaborate with the World’s Largest Retailer to Encourage Energy Efficiency

CINCINNATI - Customers of Duke Energy Ohio will be the first to participate in a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Duke Energy, General Electric, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club to make energy efficiency even more affordable.

Ohio electric customers will soon receive mailings from Duke Energy with coupons offering $3 off three-packs of GE compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) at Wal-Mart stores. Next month, many Duke Energy customers will receive one-day guest passes to Sam’s Club where CFLs will be featured.

“Duke Energy is covering the cost of the coupons as a part of its continuing efforts to promote energy efficiency,” said Sandra Meyer, president of Duke Energy Ohio. “Energy-saving light bulbs are just one of many ways customers can save money now while helping to reduce overall energy demand which provides a cleaner environment.”

This partnership is one of the first involving a major utility company and a national retailer collaborating to promote the sales of energy efficient products. CFLs use up to 75 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer. Replacing a single 60-watt incandescent bulb with a 13-watt CFL can save up to $7 a year on a home’s electricity costs if used four hours a day.

This promotion with Duke Energy Ohio and GE, which gives customers four $3-off coupons for three-packs, will bring the price of CFLs down to about $1.50 each at Wal-Mart. Since the average home has approximately 30 light sockets that can accommodate CFLs, approximately 40 percent of lighting needs can be met through this offer.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is the world’s largest retailer of GE CFLs, and GE has agreed to provide manufacturer’s coupons for the project and will act as the redeeming agent for the coupons. The coupons can be redeemed at any Wal-Mart store in the Tri-State area.

Duke Energy Ohio’s energy efficiency program was approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in July, allowing the company to move forward with a portfolio of incentives for customers to invest in energy efficiency. Duke Energy considers energy efficiency to be the “fifth fuel,” joining coal, nuclear, natural gas and renewables in meeting customers’ energy demands. The “fifth fuel” should be the first one used since it is a cost effective, environmentally friendly way to address demand growth.