Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Commissioner Monica Martinez today encouraged Michigan electric customers to reduce their electric bills by switching to energy efficient lighting products that can result in big savings.

Joining Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, J. Peter Lark, general manager of the Lansing Board of Water and Light, and State Representative Jeff Mayes, Martinez made the announcement at a press conference sponsored by East Lansing-based Urban Options as part of the national Change a Light, Change the World education campaign. 

Thanks in part to a grant from the MPSC, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) are available for as little as 99 cents per bulb statewide at participating Meijer, Menards and Kroger stores, as well as seven Lansing area and three Upper Peninsula Ace Hardware stores. 

Many other retailers will also have CFLs on sale during the month of October.

"Switching to energy efficient lighting is an easy step we can each take to make a difference for our energy resources and our environment, all while saving money on energy bills today," Martinez noted.

"If every household in Michigan switches only one light bulb to an energy efficient model, Michigan would save more than $60 million in energy costs annually and prevent over 800 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions a year," she added. 

Martinez encouraged Michigan residents to support energy efficiency by taking the "Change a Light" pledge by visiting the Web site and selecting "State of Michigan" as the organization that referred them.

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.

To promote energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed September 30 as "ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day." 

Governor Granholm has 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 the official kickoff 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 Labor & Economic Growth.