November 1, 2005

With soaring energy costs, Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chairman

J. Peter Lark today encouraged Michigan electric customers to reduce their electric bills by switching to energy efficient lighting products that can result in big savings.    Lark made the announcement at a press conference at Urban Options in East Lansing as part of the national Change a Light, Change the World education campaign, sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

“If every household in Michigan acts by switching only one light at home to an energy efficient model, the change would save more than $25 million in energy costs annually and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking more than 38,000 cars off the road,” said Lark.  “If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, you’re wasting a lot of energy and money, and creating a lot of unnecessary pollution.”

It is estimated that by replacing the five most frequently used light fixtures in a home with ENERGY STAR models, customers can save more than $60 per year in energy costs.*

Lark noted that ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs save at least $25 each over their lifetime in energy costs; last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs; use two-thirds less energy; 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 November 1 as “Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World Day.” 

ENGERY STAR was introduced by the EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency.  Today, with assistance from the DOE, the ENERGY STAR program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money, and help protect the environment for future generations.  More than 7,000 organizations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, and businesses.  People are encouraged to take the ENERGY STAR “Change a Light” pledge on its Web site:  energystar.gov.

For more information about ENERGY STAR is also available toll-free by calling

1-888-STAR-YES.

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