Traer, Iowa September 28, 2009-Iowa residents are about to discover that saving energy and money really is as easy as a twist of the wrist. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2009, residential electric customers of Traer Municipal Utility are eligible for special pricing that will allow them to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for as little as $0.99 at participating retailers. (Limit 12 bulbs per customer, while supplies last.)

The compact fluorescent rebate program is 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" campaign.

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less electricity than standard incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, and produce about 75 percent less heat than incandescents, improving safety. By replacing the five most used bulbs in a home with energy-efficient CFLs, families can save $35 in energy costs during the first year alone.

While these financial savings are a big draw for consumers, CFLs offer environmental benefits as well. "We want to do our part to reduce our country's greenhouse gas emissions and help fight global climate change," said TMU General Manager Pat Stief. "We're proud to spread the word about the difference that individuals in our community can make by taking energy-saving steps at home and in the workplace. We are fortunate to have a local participating dealer in Traer in Whannel's Hardware Store. This will make these products easily accessible to all Traer residents while promoting the local economy."

Today's CFLs produce bright, warm light at less cost to consumers and businesses because they use less electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs, saving time and money on replacements. With the wide range of CFL shapes, sizes and styles now on the market, consumers can find an energy-efficient bulb for every situation and enjoy reduced energy costs all year long.

"Becoming part of the solution to global climate change takes less time and effort than people might think. We can all start by taking simple steps like changing a light or looking for the ENERGY STAR when we purchase new products," said Kathleen Hogan, Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at EPA. "Together, we can make a difference and protect our environment through simple everyday actions."

For more information about ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, or to find participating retailers, call (800) 339-6856 or visitHYPERLINK "http://www.iowachangealight.com"www.iowachangealight.com.

ENERGY STAR

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced the ENERGY STAR program in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 12,000 organizations partner with ENERGY STAR to improve the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.energystar.gov"www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

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