MPSC Commissioner Encourages Michiganians to "Change a Light" to Save

Contact: Judy Palnau (517) 241-3323

October 4, 2006

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. She made the announcement at a press conference in Marquette 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 switches only one light bulb to an energy efficient model, Michigan would save more than $25 million in energy costs annually,” said Martinez . “Not only is it good for the pocketbook, but it’s good for the environment. Changing a single light bulb can prevent 500 pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere over the bulb’s lifetime. That is equivalent to about 350 pounds of coal being burned.

“Michigan ranked tenth in last year’s campaign for the most people who took the ‘Change a Light’ pledge. Simply go to energystar.gov/changealight to take the pledge and show your support for energy efficiency.”

Replacing 25 percent of the light bulbs in high-use areas of your home with compact fluorescent bulbs can result in reduced energy used for lighting by 50 percent or more.

Martinez 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 up to 75 percent 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 October 4 as “Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World Day.”

ENERGY 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/changealight.

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.