Energy savings: Princeton plans light bulb exchange

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PRINCETON — The Princeton Electric Department will offer free energy-efficient light bulbs to help its customers save both energy and money. On Tuesday, Princeton Superintendent of Electric Jason Bird said the city has ordered 1,000 Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) for a free exchange for the city’s electric customers. The CFLs are 15 watt, which is equivalent to 60 watts in a regular incandescent light bulb.

Bird said each Princeton electric customer can exchange up to three working incandescent lights for three CFLs. Bird hopes to have the CFLs available at the city electric department in time for Homestead Festival week in early September. If the supply lasts, the city will also offer the CFLs in October at city hall.

“It’s important that we as a city try to educate our residents as much as possible on energy efficiency, “ Bird said. “Lighting is a big expense and energy user in the home, next to heating and cooling.”

Bird said CFLs can be used in any light sockets, other than those with dimmers. They can also be used as exterior lights, such as for porch lights.  

Even though the CFLs are initially more expensive, they are a savings in the long run in both energy use and cost savings, Bird said.

The CFL exchange goes along well with the city’s energy program, Bird said. Princeton has been proactive for several years when it comes to energy efficiency.

For example, the city has switched its incandescent traffic stop lights to those using the more efficient light-emitting diode (LED) technology, which has resulted in a 90 percent reduction in energy costs, Bird said. Lighting has also been upgraded at the power plant, resulting in almost one-half million less kilowatt hours of usage. Lighting upgrades have also been made at city hall. The city offers free energy audits to its electric customers. The electric department has also helped some Princeton schools apply for grants for more efficient lighting upgrades.

“As a city we not only need to educate our customers about energy use, but we also need to be a good example for the community by demonstrating our commitment to energy efficiency,” Bird said.

On Tuesday, Mayor Keith Cain also expressed his support of the CFL exchange and any other energy saving measures the city can offer its customers.

“The CFL exchange is just another way for people to save energy,” Cain said. “Jason and his department have been very proactive about showing people how to conserve energy. The CFL exchange is just another step the electric department is taking to help the citizens of Princeton.”

Bird said he and Princeton City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh are also looking at options for customers wanting to switch from natural gas to an all-electric utility. Several options are being considered, which would be good for both the city and the customer. Bird hopes some of those options will be finalized and available in the next couple months.