For more information contact: Email:

Mark Nixon : 517-702-6735 MDN@LBWL.COM

BWL unveils Hometown Energy Saverssm program

Lansing Board of Water & Light General Manager J. Peter Lark today joined Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero in introducing Hometown Energy Saverssm , a program to generate energy savings for thousands of BWL customers.

“We are proud to be among the very first utilities in Michigan to offer customers what they truly want – a practical way to save significant dollars on their energy bills,” Lark said. “The purest form of ‘green’ energy is the energy you don’t use. Hometown Energy Saverssm delivers this green energy, right to your door, by making energy-efficiency more affordable.”

Hometown Energy Saverssm is a multi-faceted energy-efficiency program created for the benefit of the BWL’s residential, commercial and industrial customers. Recent state law requires all Michigan utilities to create “energy optimization” programs to assist their customers in reducing their energy costs.

Following are the details of the BWL’s Hometown Energy Saverssm program:

Recycle old refrigerators and freezers

• Effective immediately, Hometown Energy Saverssm will encourage BWL customers to turn in energy-wasting freezers and refrigerators. The BWL will have these old appliances removed from customers’ homes, free of charge. Additionally, each participating customer will receive a $25 check.
• More than 90 percent of each old refrigerator and freezer will be recycled for other uses in an environmentally proper way. The refrigerator or freezer must be operational in order for a customer to qualify for free appliance removal and the $25 check.
• Fact: An older, inefficient refrigerator can cost up to $150 to operate because it uses up to three times more electricity than an energy-efficient model.

Rebates will help make lighting more energy-efficient

• The BWL will help customers save money through an Energy-Efficient Lighting Program. In cooperation with participating retailers across Greater Lansing, the BWL will offer $15 rebates on purchases of ENERGY STAR light fixtures and ceiling fans.
• Rebate coupons can be found in area stores or on the BWL Website: www.lbwl.com
• Later in 2009, the BWL will sponsor incentives to promote the purchase of energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) holiday lights.
• Fact: CFLs use up to 75 percent less electricity than incandescent light bulbs. CFLs are long-lasting – up to 10,000 hours.

Energy-efficient incentives offered to businesses

• Commercial and Industrial Incentive Programs have been created. The BWL will offer cash incentives to businesses to help them cover the cost of energy-efficient upgrades for such things as lighting and air-conditioning.

For details on any of the above Hometown Energy Savers sm programs, call 877-NRG-LBWL (877-674-5295) .

Low-income assistance provided

• The BWL has established an energy-efficient program for low-income residents. Low-income residents who are BWL customers may be eligible to receive ENERGY STAR replacement products, such as refrigerators, room airconditioners, dehumidifiers and CFLs. The BWL has partnered with the Capital Area Community Services (CACS) to administer this program. For details, call CACS at 517-393-7077.

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