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

FARMINGTON, Minn. (Oct. 4, 2007) — Saving money and energy this year can be as simple as installing an ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). From Oct. 1 through Nov. 30, Dakota Electric Association is encouraging its members to “Change the World” one light and one step at a time by replacing their standard light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. By changing to energy-efficient CFLs, it is estimated that a household can save more than $60 a year in energy costs, reducing utility bills as well as saving energy and preserving the environment.

Dakota Electric is helping its residential electric members make the simple switch to energy-efficient lighting by offering a $2 instant cash-back rebate on select ENERGY STAR qualified CFL purchases of 12 bulbs or less, while supplies last. With the instant rewards, the bulbs will sell for as little as $0.99 at participating Ace Hardware and Menards. The program is being held in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) national “ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World” campaign.

“Lighting accounts for about 20 percent of the average home's electric bills. By replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR qualified options, we estimate our members can save more than $60 each year in energy costs,” said Michael Hoy, energy services manager for Dakota Electric.

Not only do ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than typical incandescent light bulbs, CFLs also 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.

A customer-owned, non-profit utility since 1937, Dakota Electric Association provides electricity to more than 99,000 members throughout Dakota County and portions of Goodhue, Rice and Scott counties. Dakota Electric, a Touchstone Energy Partner, serves its member/owners with integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. Today, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations.

Fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps contain small amounts of mercury. Mercury is harmful to the environment, and placing the lamps in garbage is illegal. To learn how to lawfully dispose of the lamps, visit www.earth911.org or call the MN Pollution Control Agency at 651-296-6300.