East Central Energy and Environmental Protection Agency help consumers switch to energy-efficient lighting

BRAHAM, Minn. - East Central Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are kicking off the 2003 Change a Light, Change the World campaign with rebates on energy-efficient light bulbs.

During October and November, East Central Energy and other participating utilities will offer $2 instant rebates on the purchase of select GE ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs. Consumers can purchase light bulbs at participating Ace Hardware stores throughout the state. ENERGY STAR light bulbs and fixtures are exempt from sales tax in Minnesota through July 31, 2005.

"As the days become shorter, Americans begin keeping their lights on longer," said EPA Official Jill Abelson. "This is a perfect time to replace old bulbs and fixtures with lighting that has earned the ENERGY STAR for high efficiency."

The Change A Light, Change the World campaign encourages Americans to switch ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting fixtures and bulbs which last six to ten times longer than standard models and operate on two-thirds less energy.

"Electric rates are likely to increase soon," predicts Greg Kvasnicka, ECE energy expert. "The simple act of replacing the five most frequently used light fixtures in the home, or the bulbs in them, with ENERGY STAR lighting would help our member-owners save more than $60 a year in energy costs. Sound investments in energy efficiency can help keep electric bills down even if rates go up."

EPA is working with East Central Energy and 56 other Minnesota electric utilities, including ECE's wholesale power supplier, Great River Energy and its member cooperatives, Midwestern Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) and Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC).

East Central Energy,is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 51,000 homes, farms and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. In addition to electric service, ECE provides long distance and Internet access services.

ENERGY STAR gives consumers energy-efficient choices for more than 35 product categories for home and office. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). ENERGY STAR is a partnership between government, consumers, manufacturers, retailers and other industry organizations united by a common goal: to help protect our environment for future generations by changing to more energy-efficient practices today. For more information about ENERGY STAR and how you can help by changing a light, visit http://www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES.