[Press Release] : Columbians are changing the world one light bulb at a time

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2007

CONTACT: Connie Kacprowicz
Public Information Specialist
or
Tina Worley
Utility Services Manager
(573) 874-7325

Columbians are changing the world one light bulb at a time

	(Columbia, MO) -- Over 10,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs
were distributed to area residents through a Columbia Water and Light
annual rebate program. The “Change a Light, Change the World”
campaign encourages people to use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs
in frequently used light fixtures. CFLs use up to 66 percent less energy
and last ten times longer than incandescent light bulbs. By replacing
the five most frequently used light bulbs in a home; a person can save
more than $60 a year in energy costs.  
	From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2006, Columbia Water and Light and
the Missouri Department of Natural Resources offered $2 rebates for
ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs. With the instant
rewards, the CFLs sold for as little as 99 cents each at both Westlake
Ace Hardware locations and HyVee. The compact fluorescent rebate program
was held in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and the U.S. Department of Energy’s national ENERGY STAR “Change a
Light, Change the World” campaign. The Midwest Energy Efficiency
Alliance coordinated the rebate program through regional utility
companies and hardware stores.  
	Columbia Water and Light has had growing participation in the
annual compact fluorescent light bulb rebate program. In 2005, there
were 6,000 bulbs distributed through the rebate program. Due to the high
demand, this year Water and Light increased the number of bulbs
available for rebates to 10,025. Participation exceeded expectations and
10,124 bulbs were sold in 2006. 
	Connie Kacprowicz, Columbia Water and Light public information
specialist, said, “We are pleased to have such a large number of
energy saving light bulbs in the community. The rebate program pays for
itself with the money customers save on their utility bills plus it
reduces electric demand which saves on business costs for the utility.
Lowering electric demand also reduces the amount of green house gases in
the atmosphere which is good for the environment.”
	Columbia Water and Light offers many residential and business
conservation programs to help the citizen owners of the utility to be
more energy efficient. Along with the annual compact fluorescent rebate
program, business customers can receive a rebate for installing more
efficient lighting fixtures. By taking advantage of the Lighting
Incentive program customers can achieve significant reductions in their
energy usage and receive a rebate to help cover lighting upgrades.
Customers who want to learn more about Columbia Water and Light’s
conservation programs should call 573-874-7325 or visit the city’s Web
site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com.

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