As a benefit of a Public Power Community the Electric Department started the Light Bulb Giveaway Program back in 1965. In an effort to promote energy efficiency, the program stopped giving out incandescent light bulbs in favor of compact fluorescent light bulbs. These energy efficient light bulbs produce the same amount of light as their incandescent counterparts, but cost about 1/4 as much to operate. Based on 2,920 hours of operation a year and a cost of .0774 cents/KWH, a 100 watt incandescent bulb would cost $22.60 while a comparable 23 watt fluorescent bulb would cost only $5.20 producing a savings of $17.40 annually. In addition, the compact fluorescent bulbs last as much as 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. The table below illustrates the available bulbs and their corresponding savings.
|
Bulb Type/Wattage |
Incandescent Equivalent |
Life Span |
Energy Savings |
|
23 Watt Compact Fluorescent Bulb |
100 Watt Bulb |
10,000 hours |
77% |
|
14 Watt Compact Fluorescent Bulb |
60 Watt Bulb |
10,000 hours |
77% |
|
13/20/25 Watt Compact Fluorescent Bulb |
60/75/100 Watt Bulb |
8,000 hours |
Up to 78% |
|
60 Watt Emergency Beacon Bulb |
----- |
----- |
None |
Electric System customers will receive their light bulb giveaway cards with their bill once annually. They can be redeemed at either location listed below during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
|
City Building, 2310 Second St |
Electric Service Building, 2550 Bailey Rd. |
Emergency Beacon Lights
The unique Emergency Beacon incandescent bulb flashes when switched quickly off and on twice. It acts as a regular light bulb when normally switched on and off. Its emergency flashing feature is designed to aid emergency crews locate the address of a 911 call at night when it may be hard to read house numbers.
