Save money and energy with the twist of energy-efficient bulbs

As fall turns to winter and the sun sets earlier each night, Iowa residents are turning on their lights, and in doing so, spending more money on electricity. Fortunately, there is a way to turn on lights and turn back energy costs. With just a twist of the wrist, ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can reduce energy use by up to 75 percent. Changing out the five most used bulbs in a home can save $65 in energy costs the first year alone.

Beginning October 1, Interstate Power and Light Co. (IPL), an Alliant Energy company and MidAmerican Energy Company are helping Iowa residential electric customers make the simple switch to energy-efficient lighting by offering a $2 instant cash-back reward on ENERGY STAR qualified CFL purchases of 12 bulbs or less. With the instant rewards, the bulbs will sell for as little as 99 cents at participating Ace Hardware, Bomgaars, Do it Best Hardware, Fareway Stores, Hy-Vee, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Shoppers Supply, Theisens, True Value Hardware, and United Hardware locations. The program is being held in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) national campaign, Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR.

CFLs offer superior performance by lasting up to 10 times longer than their old-fashioned counterparts. Today’s CFLs provide bright, warm light and require replacement far less often, saving consumers and businesses both time and money. CFLs also generate approximately 75 percent less heat than standard incandescent lighting, which means they are cooler to the touch while helping reduce household cooling costs at the same time. With the wide variety of CFL shapes, sizes and styles available, energy-efficient lighting can be used throughout the home all-year long.

“Becoming part of the solution to global warming takes less time and effort than you might think. You can start by taking simple steps like changing a light or looking for the ENERGY STAR when you purchase new products,” said Kathleen Hogan, Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at EPA. “Together, we can all make a difference and protect our environment through simple everyday actions.”

For more information on ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs or where to purchase them at a discounted price, call (800) 339-6856 or visit www.iowachangealight.com.