Energize Connecticut helps residents take control of their energy costs

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (Aug. 21, 2015) – On Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, Bridgeport residents were invited to participate in the Great Light Bulb Exchange. This event, hosted by Energize Connecticut in partnership with The United Illuminating Company’s Clean Energy Communities program, encouraged residents to take control of their energy future. 

Held at The Home Depot in Bridgeport, the Great Light Bulb Exchange gave individuals the opportunity to receive two free 60-watt equivalent Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulbs in return for two old incandescent bulbs. In addition to the LED light bulbs, residents were given energy efficiency tips, information on various energy-saving programs, free hot dogs and a coupon offered to encourage residents to purchase additional ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs on the day of the event. 

Mayor Finch and his Conservation Corps are strong advocates for this citywide initiative aimed at reducing energy consumption. Youths from the Conservation Corps have been canvassing homes throughout Bridgeport since the middle of July promoting the benefits of energy efficiency and also attended the light bulb exchange to offer energy-saving advice to residents. 

More than 400 households were represented at the exchange resulting in the exchange of more than 800 LED light bulbs. Residents save roughly $240 over the lifetime of each LED for nearly $200,000 in savings for the city, or about $8,500 per year. Bridgeport will also save 44,120 kilowatt-hours (kWh) each year.

“We are extremely pleased with the attendance at the ‘Great Light Bulb Exchange’ and more importantly the heightened interest in energy efficiency that residents garnered from the event,” said Marissa Westbrook, manager of residential energy services, The United Illuminating Company. “More than 400 homes will now experience instant savings on their electric bills and have either started, or continued, their path to energy efficiency.”

One LED light bulb can last up to 25 times longer and uses about 80 percent less electricity than an old-fashioned incandescent. Residents who made the switch to LEDs from traditional incandescent light bulbs will see these savings immediately.

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.

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