PSE Offering Discounts on Energy-Saving LED Bulbs

Mercer Island's power utility provider Puget Sound Energy announced on Monday an incentive program of deeply discounted light emitting diode (LED) bulbs and fixtures for the utility’s residential electric customers at participating retail stores, according to a press release.

The PSE statement says the technology is several times more efficient and longer lasting than incandescent light bulbs and is viewed as a long term — though costly — solution.

In an effort to increase efficency and reduce waste, the utility is encouraging several Mercer Island retailers to widely carry LED and compact fluorescent (CFL) light fixtures by offering a variety of rebates and discounts for local residents.

Both of and offer both types of energy-efficient bulbs with an in-store discount of typically up to $10 off LED lights and $3 off CFL bulbs. The North-end and also offer the CFL bulbs at a discount.

Prices for LED lights start as low as $7 for a two-pack of Greenlite LED bulbs with PSE logo at Walgreens, a $40 value. Shoppers can receive up to $10 off on a variety of LED bulbs and fixtures that meet Energy Star specifications at participating retailers.

LED bulbs use up to 80 percent less energy while producing the same quality and brightness of light that customers are used to getting from old incandescent bulbs. ENERGY STAR-qualified LED bulbs also have an average life span of up to 25,000 hours or up to 25 years, compared to incandescent bulbs which can last up to 1,000 hours and ENERGY STAR-qualified compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs which can last up to 10,000 hours. While an LED bulb isn’t significantly more energy efficient than a CFL bulb, its long life makes it more cost effective. Most LED bulbs are dimmable, making them a great solution for kitchen and dining room lights.

“For the last few years, the high price of LED bulbs has prevented many consumers from investing in the efficient and long lasting bulbs,” said Cal Shirley, vice president of customer solutions at PSE. “LED bulbs are a great technology; they save energy and last an incredibly long time. Now that the price of LED bulbs has dropped and with available discounts, the era of the LED bulb has arrived. At PSE we’re doing what we can to support consumer adoption of efficient technology that helps customers save energy and money.”

For each incandescent bulb replaced with an LED bulb, customers save about $6 per year in energy costs. The average household can save $150 a year in energy costs by replacing the 25 most frequently used lights in the home with LED bulbs.

To help customers pick the best LED bulbs for their needs and to help familiarize customers with LED technology, PSE has the following tips:

1. If you’re looking for a great deal on LED bulbs, PSE offers up to $10 off a variety of LED bulbs and fixtures that meet ENERGY STAR specifications at participating retailers, which can be found at PSE.com/LightingRetailers.
2. Consider bundling additional energy-saving gadgets, such as motion sensors, with your LED purchase. This will allow you to start shifting to LED bulbs while adding hands-free lighting controls at home.
3. LED bulbs can be used anywhere you would put conventional incandescent and CFL bulbs, but it’s important to match the right bulb to the right socket and application. If you intend to use an LED bulb in a table lamp, on a dimmer switch in a recessed can, or if you need to ensure even lighting in every direction (omni-directional lighting) be sure you buy an LED bulb that will meet your needs. Look on the package to ensure you purchase the correct bulb for the fixture you intend to use it in.
4. When buying new bulbs, take a look at the “Lighting Facts” label. Similarly to EnergyGuide labels found on appliances and electronics, the Lighting Facts table will show you everything you need to know to make quick product comparisons. Brightness, light appearance, yearly operating costs and disposal tips can all be found on the Lighting Facts table.

PSE’s LED bulb tips can be viewed at Flickr.com/PugetSoundEnergy in the PSE’s LED Bulb Tips album. To learn more about LED bulbs and available PSE rebates, visit PSE.com/LEDs or call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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About Puget Sound Energy: Washington state’s oldest local energy utility, Puget Sound Energy serves 1.1 million electric customers and more than 750,000 natural gas customers in 11 counties.  A subsidiary of Puget Energy, PSE meets the energy needs of its customers, in part, through cost-effective energy efficiency, procurement of sustainable energy resources, and far-sighted investment in the energy-delivery infrastructure. PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customer service that is safe, dependable and efficient. For more information, visit www.PSE.com. 

— Ed. Note: This article was based on information from Puget Sound Energy