On Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, North Haven residents were invited to participate in the Great Light Bulb Exchange. This event was hosted as part of the Clean Energy Communities program through the Energize Connecticut initiative and was sponsored by United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc. This event was created to encourage residents to take control of their energy future.
Held at the Home Depot on Universal Drive, the Great Light Bulb Exchange gave individuals the opportunity to receive two free ENERGY STAR® certified 60-watt equivalent Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulbs in exchange for two old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. In addition to the LED light bulbs, residents were given energy efficiency tips and information on various energy-saving programs including promotional specials and rebates currently being offered on insulation.
Anyone who registered during the exchange was eligible for up to 50 percent off insulation. Additionally, a $124 insulation coupon was available for anyone who registered for a Home Energy SolutionsSM assessment and completes it before Dec. 31, 2016. A Home Energy Solutions assessment is a “physical checkup” of your home that provides approximately $1,000 in services, and residents who participate in the program save on average $200 on their annual energy bills.
Those who attended were also able to speak with First Selectman Michael Freda about current energy saving projects in the town. Freda and the North Haven Clean Energy Task Force are strong advocates for this initiative.
During the Great Light Bulb Exchange, 374 households were represented resulting in the distribution of 748 ENERGY STAR certified LED light bulbs. Residents will save roughly $243, or approximately 1,261 kilowatt-hours (kWh), over the lifetime of each LED. This will generate an estimated $181,810 savings for the city, or about $7,974 per year. North Haven will save an estimated 943,066 kWh, or about 19,043 kWh, annually.
“The town of North Haven fully embraced this initiative and we were thrilled to a see a steady flow of residents throughout the day who were all excited to participate,” said Maritza Estremera, program administrator, United Illuminating. “North Haven has made a strong commitment to energy efficiency and it was evident when we were able to exchange every LED bulb that we had in our possession.”
One ENERGY STAR certified LED light bulb can last up to 25 times longer and uses about up to 90 percent less electricity than an old-fashioned incandescent bulb. Residents who made the switch to ENERGY STAR certified LEDs from traditional incandescent light bulbs will see these savings immediately.
To learn more about programs offered through the Energize Connecticut initiative, please visit energizect.com or call 1-877-WISE-USE.
About Energize Connecticut:
Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at energizect.com or by calling 1-877-WISE-USE.