La Plata Electric Association offering rebates for LED light purchase

Switching to energy-efficient holiday lights saves electricity and dollars

 

To encourage consumers to replace old holiday light strings with new, energy efficient LED lighting, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), in partnership with Tri-State Generation and Transmission, will once again offer rebates on LED holiday lighting through Dec. 31, 2010. According to officials, this will be the final year for the program.

LPEA customers who purchase strings of LED lights can receive a rebate of $1 per string of 49 bulbs or less, or $2 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. Forms are available at local retailers, as well as at LPEA offices in Durango and Pagosa Springs, and on the web, www.lpea.coop.

“Light emitting diodes or LED holiday lights are really making a difference with energy efficiency,” said Ray Pierotti, project specialist who handles the lighting efficiency programs for LPEA. “LEDs save up to 98 percent of the electricity needed to power conventional painted or ceramic coated bulbs.”

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.

“The electricity cost to light a holiday tree in your home with LEDs is $0.13 to $0.17 per season, compared to $6 to $10 for incandescents,” said Pierotti, noting that using LEDs for outdoor lighting displays realize even greater savings. “Cost is a great motivator, but LEDs are also environmentally friendly.”

The low energy demand of LEDs means less electricity is required, and thus less carbon emissions are generated by power plants. 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.

Also, in addition to their long “glowing” life, the LEDs are safer and 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. They remain cool to the touch and generate very little heat, aiding in fire prevention on dry trees or over-heated plastic. And with the small electricity draw, it’s unlikely they will overload a circuit.

“This is the last year we are able to offer a rebate for purchase of LED holiday lights,” said Pierotti. “Costs are coming down, and with the added rebate, we hope everyone will take this opportunity to change out their lights.”

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its more than 30,000 members, with in excess of 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.