Avista customers to receive energy efficiency lighting kits
As a leader in energy efficiency, Avista is always looking for ways to save energy while helping our customers do the same. In July, Washington and Idaho residential and small commercial electric customers will begin to receive an Energy Efficiency Lighting Kit. The kit contains Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL), a cover letter, educational brochure and turn-it-off stickers. All customers will receive their kits by November 15, 2011.
“It’s a simple and convenient way to help customers lighten their energy load, while helping Avista meet our energy efficiency targets too,” notes Lead DSM Program Manager Chris Drake.
Washington voters approved I-937, also known as the Energy Independence Act of November 2006 - an initiative that requires utilities to acquire both a percentage of their energy load from qualified renewable sources and achieve a defined energy savings goal. Our CFL direct-mail program will help Avista achieve some of those energy-saving targets.
When CFLs initially hit the market decades ago, the selection was limited. Consumers didn’t care for the color, the flicker or the delayed start. However, today’s CFLs come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and can be used throughout the home in a variety of wattages, including recessed, three-way and dimmable.
Customers can learn more about the kits, energy efficient lighting tips and information and the opportunity to opt-out of receiving the kit.
Even though research and our personal experience with customers shows widespread customer acceptance of the bulbs, an opt-out option is available to customers who are not ready to make to make the switch to CFLs.
CFLs contain electronic components and a small amount of mercury, so safely disposing of spent CFLs is important. Avista offers free CFL recycling options for its customers throughout our service territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the bulbs arrived broken?
Customers will be directed to the CFL web portal everylittlebit.com/cfl to order a replacement kit, or they can call 1-800-227-9187 and a Customer Service Representative can easily process the order.
Does Avista provide safe disposal and recycling information with the kit?
Yes, the kit comes with a brochure addressing how to manage broken bulbs, ways to recycle CFLs and lighting tips.
What if the customer doesn’t want the bulbs or kit?
Customers can easily opt-out before July 15, 2011 by visiting everylittlebit.com/cfl or by calling 1-800-227-9187.
What if the customer wants an additional kit?
Customers will receive one kit per service address. However, there may be an opportunity for customers to receive additional CFLs at future energy fairs.
Interesting Facts about CFLs
• CFLs are simply more efficient in their use of energy, turning more of their energy into light and less into heat.
• CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb, but provide the same amount of light –potentially saving you up to $30 in energy costs over its lifetime.
• A 23-watt CFL produces more light than a 100-watt incandescent bulb, and it can last up to seven times longer
• If every home in America replaced just one incandescent bulb with an Energy Star® qualified CFL, this would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars annually (Source:
www.energystar.gov)