Trade an incandescent light bulb for a CFL and help Annie’s Orphans

La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) and Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) have teamed up to help community members reduce their energy costs, while also helping warm the pups at Annie’s Orphans, the non-profit sanctuary for abandoned, neglected and abused dogs.

Between August 8 and September 30, 2011, the DMR office in Centennial Center (Bodo Park) will accept new or used (but working) incandescent light bulbs for Annie’s Orphans. For each incandescent bulb presented, donors will receive an energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), courtesy LPEA.

“At Annie’s Orphans we use the incandescent light bulbs to provide heat in the dog houses during the winter months,” said Jola Schraub, Annie’s Orphans volunteer and DMR staff member. “When we learned that incandescents were no longer going to be produced after 2012, we started collecting bulbs. We’re hoping to delay spending our much needed funds on alternative heating solutions for the dogs.”

Regular incandescent light bulbs use heat to produce light, whereas CFLs produce approximately 70 percent less heat – good for keeping a home cool, but not ideal for the dog shelter. Consumers who replace their incandescent with CFLs can expect the new bulbs to use 60 percent less energy and have them last 10 times longer. Studies indicate that replacing a 60-watt incandescent with a 13-watt CFL can save a homeowner at least $30 in energy costs over the life of that one bulb.

“Yes, LPEA is encouraging all our members to be more energy efficient, and utilizing the incandescent light bulbs in the dog houses does consume more electricity at the shelter,” said Ray Pierotti, project specialist handling the lighting change-out programs for LPEA. “But thanks to a generous supporter of Annie’s Orphans who covers the extra cost, the shelter enjoys 100 percent Green Power from La Plata Electric. Annie’s Orphans may use more energy, but it’s from a renewable resource.”

Light bulbs can be exchanged at the DMR Bodo Park office (next to Office Depot) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Sept. 30; no limit to the number of bulbs. For further information regarding the exchange, contact Jola Schraub at 970.426.7242

Annie’s Orphans is located on Anna and Bill Anderson’s property in the Sunnyside area of La Plata County. Dogs in need enjoy open air pens, as well as shade and shelter from harsh weather. Volunteers walk and play with the dogs, help in socializing and training when needed, and maintain the facility, which can house some 70 canines. Further information regarding Annie’s Orphans is available at www.anniesk9orphans.org.

“We’re very grateful for the support of LPEA and DMR in this endeavor,” said Schraub. “One light bulb is a small thing, but for our pups it’s huge.”

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its more than 30,000 members, with in excess of 42,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786 or visit www.lpea.coop.