(Photo courtesy of The Environmental Center)
An LED Revolution
The Energy Challenge, a program of The Environmental Center, is proud to announce they installed free LED light bulbs in the 5,000th home in Central Oregon. Over the past three years, they have installed over 75,000 super-efficient LED (light emitting diode) light bulbs. Each bulb may seem like a small drop in the bucket, but cumulatively these bulbs will save Central Oregon residents over $13.8 million, or an annual savings of almost $500,000.
Each Central Oregon household, including renters and owners, gets up to 16 free super-efficient LED light bulbs, which use 80 percent less energy that the incandescent bulbs being replaced. In addition, each household receives free water saving features that can help save energy by reducing the amount of hot water that needs to be heated, and of course, the amount of water consumed.
On October 4, Carmen Kinder and the three teenagers of her household were excited to be the 5,000th Central Oregon residents to receive free LED bulbs through The Energy Challenge. In addition to instant savings, participants are connected with resources to take their energy savings a step further through other opportunities such as heat pump water heaters, ductless heat pumps and solar.
By participating in this program, individuals are helping their community. The amount of energy saved each year with these lightbulbs has an energy equivalent it takes to power 333 homes for one year. “We hope this illustrates that even your smallest actions add up to something much bigger than yourself,” said Neil Baunsgard, Program Director of the Free LED Program. “When you’re making changes to save energy, however small, you’re part of a community-wide movement and you truly are making a difference.”
The program is scheduled to run through Christmas and is installing in Sisters, Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Tumalo and surrounding areas. Residents are encouraged to sign up at TheEnergyChallenge.org/freebulbs or by calling at 541-385-6908 X26
This program is made possible through collaboration with Energy Trust of Oregon and Central Electric Cooperative.
