Calling it an energy efficiency revolution taking place one light bulb at a time, Commissioner Monica Martinez, of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), today highlighted the efforts of Michigan utilities and the MPSC to help customers cut their electric bills by making compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) available at discounted prices. 

All Michigan electric utility customers will have a utility-sponsored energy efficiency program available to them by the end of November, with an emphasis on switching to CFLs.

"Compact fluorescent light bulbs offer electric customers a quick, easy and affordable way to see an immediate reduction on their bills," Commissioner Martinez said at an event hosted by Michigan Energy Options in East Lansing.  "And they are now available around the state at lower prices, thanks to utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs and a MPSC grant. 

"The result will be a significant improvement in energy efficiency across the state.  That will help customers save money, cut the need for new electric generation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  You could call what's happening in Michigan an energy efficiency revolution taking place one light at a time."

Martinez noted that ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb's lifetime; use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs; last up to 10 times longer; can be used in most incandescent fixtures already in the home; and offer bright, warm light.

Joining Commissioner Martinez today were Teri VanSumeren, manager of Consumers Energy Company's Energy Efficient Solutions program; Michael McNalley, director of DTE's Energy Efficiency and Business Energy Services; Susan Devon, assistant general manager of the Lansing Board of Water and Light; and Mike Buda, director of external affairs at the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, who all highlighted their CFL discount programs.  Jennifer Binkley-Power, of Michigan Energy Options, and East Lansing Mayor Vic Loomis also highlighted their roles in energy efficiency.

Utility-sponsored CFL discount programs are part of each utility's mandated energy optimization program.  More information on the DTE CFL program is available here: http://www.dteenergy.com/residentialCustomers/saveEnergy/rebates/resEnergyStarLighting.html

More information on Consumers Energy's lighting rebate program is available here: http://www.consumersenergy.com/eeprograms/Landing.aspx?ID=799

Customers of other electric utilities are encouraged to contact their local electric utility to find out details about available CFL programs.

To promote energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed October 15 as "ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day." 

Governor Granholm has once again joined with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Governors from across the country to celebrate ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day and bring attention to the critical importance of using energy wisely at home. This commemorative day is part of the national ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Campaign to encourage Americans to take simple actions at home to help preserve our energy resources and be part of the solution to global climate change. The national educational campaign is run in partnership with hundreds of businesses, energy efficiency organizations, state and territory governments, and more. This annual campaign encourages Americans to be energy aware on ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day - and all year long.

More information about ENERGY STAR is also available toll-free by calling 1-888-STAR-YES or on their Web site:   energystar.gov/changetheworld.

CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, so it is important to dispose of them properly.  The Michigan Department of Community Health has a helpful fact sheet that contains information on proper disposal:  michigan.gov/documents/mdch/CFL_Fact_Sheet_193840_7.pdf.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.