BERLIN, Connecticut — October 19, 2009 — Now is the time to replace your old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Today's CFLs have moved beyond the basic spiral-shape and now come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and brightness.
"Lighting technology has made significant advances," said John Ferrantino, director, Customer Solutions, Connecticut Light & Power. "Customers have a wide variety of products to choose from when it comes to changing over to CFLs."
Bulbs come in many shapes and sizes, such as globes, decorative candle-shaped fixtures, indoor/outdoor floodlights, and mini- spirals. Today's CFLs can be used for all kinds of lighting including pendant, recessed and ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, track lighting, outdoor lanterns and exposed floodlighting, lighted ceiling fans, and table and floor lamps. And while yesterday’s CFLs were incompatible with dimmer switches, there are now “dimmable” CFLs available, along with bulbs specially designed for use in three-way sockets.
These ENERGY STARŪ-qualified products can be obtained in three different “color temperatures” that determine their brightness and affect on the appearance of furnishings: “warm or soft light,” “neutral or cool white,” and “sunlight or daylight,” which is most recommended for detail-oriented activities.
CFLs last up to 10 times longer and use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. Reducing energy use slows down the need to build more power plants and that helps to reduce harmful emissions, slowing the pace of climate change.
CFLs that have been specially discounted by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) are now available across Connecticut at many retail and grocery outlets including:
- Bed, Bath & Beyond
- Bernie's
- BJ's Wholesale Club
- Christmas Tree Shops
- Costco
- CVS
- The Energy Saving Outlet
- Geissler's Supermarkets
- LaBonne’s Markets
- Home Depot
- Ocean State Job Lot
- Price Chopper
- Rocky’s Ace Hardware
- Sam's Club
- Stop & Shop
- Tri-Town Foods
- Wal-Mart
- Wattsaver Lighting Products
More information on the use and proper disposal of CFLs can be found by visiting www.cl-p.com.
The CEEF promotes efficient energy use, helps residents and businesses save on their energy bills, advances economic development, reduces electric demand and helps reduce air pollution. CL&P, United Illuminating and the natural gas companies administer the CEEF through conservation programs that serve residential customers, including limited and fixed income customers, as well as business and municipal customers. Connecticut’s energy-efficiency programs are funded by the conservation charge on customer bills. Additional information on Connecticut's energy-efficiency programs can be found atwww.ctenergyinfo.com.
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The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) has been part of everyday life in Connecticut for more than 100 years, providing safe and reliable electric service to homes, neighborhoods and businesses. With 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns, CL&P is improving the environments you live in, by offering programs in energy conservation, economic development and environmental stewardship. CL&P is a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE: NU). For more information, please visit www.cl-p.com.