La Plata Electric Association helping to “light up” local Downtowns

Merchants receiving complimentary LED lights for holiday decorating

 

DURANGO, Colo. – In an effort to help “light up” the business districts in its service territory, and set a festive mood for “shopping locally” during the holiday season, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) is donating energy efficient, jewel-tone strings of LED holiday lights to area merchants.

“For the past several years we’ve provided all municipalities with $500 worth of LED lights, but opted this year to help the merchants,” said Ray Pierotti, LPEA project specialist. “This is a crucial retail period for merchants. Sales have been challenging all year, so if we can help our retailers ‘save their energy’ and encourage more folks to ‘shop local,’ then this is a win-win for everyone.”

LPEA is working through community entities such as chambers and downtown associations in Durango, Pagosa Springs, Bayfield and Ignacio, offering merchants up to four strands of LED holiday lights (approximately 23 ft. in length) free of charge for use in their businesses.

The LED lights’ visual appearance – clear, rich, jewel tones – are superior to the traditional incandescents, but the benefits of LED lighting far surpass the beauty, according to Pierotti. LEDs (or light emitting diodes) save up to 98 percent of the electricity needed to power conventional painted or ceramic coated bulbs. The electricity cost to light a holiday tree with LEDs is $0.13 to $0.17 per season, compared to $6 to $10 for incandescent bulbs.

“The low energy demand means less electricity is required, and thus reduces carbon emissions from power generation plants,” said Pierotti. “Also, in addition to their long ‘glowing’ life, the LEDs are more durable, with the tiny semi-conductor chips that cause the illumination encased in hard to break plastic. A string of LED lights is expected to last up to 10 years.”

Further, he noted, LEDs are safer than incandescents. They remain cool to the touch and generate very little heat. This aids in fire prevention on dry trees or over-heated plastic. Plus with the small electricity draw, it’s unlikely they will overload a circuit.

            In addition to the donated lights, LPEA, in partnership with Tri-State Generation and Transmission to encourage residents to replace old holiday light strings with new, energy efficient LED lighting, is once again offering rebates on LED holiday lighting. LPEA customers who purchase strings of LED lights can receive a rebate of $2 per string of 49 bulbs or less, or $4 per string of 50 bulbs or more. There is no limit to the number of strings purchased, but the original sales receipt must be submitted with the rebate form by December 31, 2009. Forms are available at local retailers, as well as at LPEA offices in Durango and Pagosa Springs, and on the web, www.lpea.coop.

             “The Electric Power Research Institute has determined that if all the seasonal mini-lights were switched to LEDs, electricity cost savings would exceed $250 million, and carbon emissions would be reduced by 400,000 tons per year,” said Pierotti.

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its nearly 30,000 members with more than 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible.  For further information on the LED rebate program, contact Pierotti directly, 970.382.7770, or visit www.lpea.coop.