Join us for

Silver Bells in the City

November 16

DUSK 'TIL DAWN:

A LIGHTING SERVICE FOR

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Everybody is talking about this new light bulb. I hear they save electricity but they cost a lot more. So, are you really saving money in the long run?             S.J., Lansing

Absolutely. It’s true buying compact fluorescent light bulbs (commonly called CFLs) cost a few dollars more than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. However, because CFLs use less electricity and last a lot longer, the payback over time is substantial.   For example, if you swap five incandescent bulbs for five CFLs, you can save up to $35 a year. Plus, the life span of a CFL is dramatic — up to 10 years! So the initial cost for a CFL is more than an incandescent bulb, but you also won’t be buying new bulbs nearly as often.   There’s a “big picture” reason for switching to CFLs. Since they use electricity, it means less electricity has to be produced to meet demand. It’s estimated that if every home in the United States replaced five incandescent bulbs with CFLs, the reduced greenhouse gases would be equivalent to the emissions from eight million automobiles.   NOTE: In October, the BWL started accepting used CFLs at our Customer Service Department at 1232 Haco Drive, Lansing. We will make sure the spent CFLs, which contain a small amount of mercury, are properly disposed of.

Do you have a question about some aspect of Lansing Board of Water & Light operations? Include your name, city of residence and phone number, and send it to Q CORNER.

  E-MAIL: mailto:mdn@lbwl.com

    FAX:  (517) 702-6855

   MAIL:  Lansing Board of Water & Light

          Communications Department

          1232 Haco Dr., P.O. Box 13007

          Lansing MI 48901.

Recent news that area police had arrested two men suspected of hundreds of burglaries has prompted inquiries about increased outdoor security lighting.

If you are considering security lighting outside your home or business, the Board of Water & Light may have the answer. We can install and maintain dusk until dawn outdoor lighting through our Outdoor Protective Lighting (OPL) service.

This service is available to any customer in our electric service area. The installation will overhang private property from existing or new BWL owned poles, situated in places that are accessible to BWL construction and maintenance equipment.

The BWL furnishes and maintains the lights for a fixed monthly rental price that is based on the wattage and style of lighting fixture installed. If you choose our OPL service, the monthly rental charge will be added to your existing electric bill and includes the energy charge for the light(s) which is also covered in the customer contract.

To learn more about Outdoor Protective Lighting, click here. Or, call our Utility Services Department at (517) 702-6700.

Abundant lighting is considered a crime deterrent. With shorter daylight hours and the approaching holiday season, Outdoor Protective Lighting is something to think about. 

Conserving energy:
Why people care

Energy-efficiency isn’t just about saving on your utility bills.

A national consumer survey by Energy Pulse™ found consumers are motivated more by the quality of life for future generations than they are about the immediacy of money savings.

Consumers surveyed told Energy Pulse™ that the well-being of future generations, plus protecting the environment and saving natural resources, were the top priorities (49.4 percent).  Just 17.1 percent said saving money was the top priority.

Of course, the survey also pointed out ongoing challenges to society. When asked why people don’t do more to conserve energy, 65 percent said it’s because people find it hard to change old habits.

CATA:
AMERICA'S BEST

Like the BWL, the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s primary purpose is to serve its hometown customers. Recently, the American Public Transportation Association named CATA the winner of the 2007 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award. It’s the association’s top award.

CATA and the BWL are two local institutions with a great deal in common. For one thing, they both promote safety as their top priority. The achievement award cited CATA for having a safety record considered to be a model in the public transportation field.

Also like the BWL, CATA is making strides to become “greener.” The award also cited CATA for innovation and technology. It’s the first bus system in Michigan to use new 40-foot diesel electric buses in its fleet, which reduces emissions and increases fuel economy.

The BWL and CATA have now both been recognized nationally for their service to the public. In 2006, the BWL was recognized for outstanding community service by the American Public Power Association. Now, CATA is considered America’s best transportation system.

We’re proud of this homegrown transportation system, and we join the community in congratulating CATA on its achievement.

One of the enduring events of the holiday season is back again for another encore – Potter Park Zoo’s Wonderland of Lights. From November 29-December 30, the zoo will be ablaze with hundreds of thousands of festive lights.

“Wonderland” is open every Thursday-Sunday 5 p.m.-8 p.m. during the holidays. There’s music every night. On Thursdays and Sundays, there is face painting and crafts. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is storytelling, cookie decorating and visits by a certain couple who live at the North Pole.

Wonderland of Lights has become a great, affordable holiday tradition. Admission: $4 for adults (15 and older), $3 for seniors, $2 for children. All parking is free.

Physically challenged visitors can get free golf cart tours of Wonderland of Lights. Call (517) 702-4730.