Change a Light, Change the World
Make a small change and save big with ENERGY STAR®-qualified light bulbs
Starting October 1, 2009, Alliant Energy residential electric customers can receive instant cash-back rewards on ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). With the instant rewards, the bulbs will sell for as little as $0.99 at participating retail stores. This special pricing is available while supplies last.
In the average home, the most frequently used fixtures are in the living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom and master bathroom. By changing out your five most-used light bulbs for CFLs, you can save more than $65 a year in energy costs.
CFLs have been around for years, and have proven themselves to be a tried-and-true technology. In fact, with refinements over the past few years, the light quality given off by soft white CFLs (look for the words “soft white” on the CFL package) is nearly identical to that of a traditional incandescent light bulb. Plus, CFLs last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs and come in all shapes and sizes.
The Change a Light, Change the World program is being held in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) national “ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World” campaign.
For additional information or assistance locating a participating retailer near you, please contact:
Making the switch
A general rule when buying CFLs is to choose a wattage that’s about one-third of what you usually buy. The table below shows some typical wattage conversions.
Incandescent Wattage > CFL Wattage
Take the ENERGY STAR pledge
We encourage you to do your part to save energy and help fight global warming by taking the ENERGY STAR pledge. To participate, visit the ENERGY STAR web site and pledge to change out at least one of your current incandescent light bulbs with an energy-efficient CFL.
Alliant Energy’s goal is to register at least 500 pledges from customers like you, and we need your help to make this happen!
Additional cash rewards
In addition to cash rewards for compact fluorescent light bulbs, customers of Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), an Alliant Energy company, may be eligible for additional money-saving rewards on new high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, water heaters and more. Call 1-866-ALLIANT (1-866-255-4268) for more information on cash rewards.
Choosing the best CFLs
PowerHouse Home Comfort Tips: CFL Buying Guide
CFL safety and disposal
Compact fluorescent light bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury and should not be thrown in the trash. Be kind to our environment and recycle CFLs the proper way. Also, if a CFL breaks, there are specific steps you should take when cleaning up.
