Seattle City Light’s popular Twist & Save discount program for compact fluorescent light bulbs has sold more than 3 million bulbs, the utility announced today. Seattle City Light’s popular Twist & Save discount program for compact fluorescent light bulbs has sold more than 3 million bulbs, the utility announced today.
“These small, twisty light bulbs are powerful tools for reducing your energy consumption and saving money,” Superintendent Jorge Carrasco said. “It’s great to see so many people taking steps to save some green by going green.”
Each compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) installed in a Seattle area home saves approximately $4.50 in energy costs each year. Multiply that by the average number of light fixture sockets in a home – 33 – and Seattleites have the opportunity to save approximately $150 a year on their utility bills. Compact fluorescents are now available in a variety of colors, shapes and features, such as the ability to use with a dimmer switch, making it easier to switch the bulbs in any fixture.
During their expected lifetimes, the 3 million bulbs sold through Twist & Save can save enough electricity to power more than 54,000 homes for an entire year. In terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the savings is equivalent to taking 65,185 cars off the road for a year.
“CFL bulbs are a smart way for people to conserve energy and save money,” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the City Council’s Energy, Technology and Civil Rights Committee. “With conservation as our number one resource, we are gradually changing our habits and practices to embrace the benefits of CFL technology.”
The City of Seattle is celebrating this accomplishment with a proclamation from the Mayor and City Council declaring Nov. 7-13 Twist & Save Week. Seattle City Light is holding three events at participating retailers: Nov. 7 at Home Depot, 1335 N. 205th Street, Shoreline; Nov. 13 at Bartell Drugs, 600 First Ave. N., Seattle; and Dec. 4 at McLendon Hardware, 10210 16th Ave. SW, Seattle. Seattle City Light staff will be on-hand at these events to answer lighting questions, demonstrate efficient lighting products, and give out prizes donated by the retailers.
Twist & Save lowers the purchase price of the energy efficient bulbs by combining discounts from City Light, bulb manufacturers and retailers. The markdowns are made right at the cash register. No coupon or rebate form is needed. The discounts make many CFLs available for less than a dollar.
City Light also partners with retailers and manufacturers to support proper CFL recycling. Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, so they should be recycled, not thrown in the trash. Many retailers offer free recycling, including Bartell Drugs, Home Depot, Lowe’s and McClendon Hardware.
Seattle City Light is the 10th largest public electric utility in the United States. It has some of the lowest cost customer rates of any urban utility, providing reliable, renewable and environmentally responsible power to nearly 1 million Seattle area residents. City Light has been greenhouse gas neutral since 2005, the first electric utility in the nation to achieve that distinction.