Energy-efficient lightbulbs save power and money

By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The recent end of Commonwealth Edison’s nine-year rate freeze has caused electricity bills to skyrocket across Illinois, sparking business and residential customers to seek alternative energy sources and reduce overall consumption.

Sedgebrook’s environmental initiative
In a proactive move toward environmentallyfriendly electricity usage, Sedgebrook is working on an initiative to replace regular incandescent lightbulbs with more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

“As a company we drive programs that seek solutions to overcome the environmental challenges we face,” says Peggy Corey, Sedgebrook’s director of general services.

More people making the switch
Corey says the fluorescent bulbs, which emit bright white light ideal for reading, are first being installed in the community areas with the greatest amount of lighting. She says the change is projected to reduce energy costs by approximately 5%—evidence that Sedgebrook is always looking to be as efficient as possible.

Dick Warner, who has long been an advocate of the compact fluorescent bulbs, has helped the Sedgebrook staff compile information to make the switch.

“Initially I tackled it from the financial end, but it’s also environmental in that the power plants don’t have to create as much power,” Warner says.

He hopes his fellow residents will start using the more efficient bulbs in their apartment homes. The bulbs are more expensive than their incandescent counterparts, but Warner says the compact fluorescent lightbulbs last an average of 10,000 hours—compared to 1,000 hours for a typical 100-watt bulb. He says each compact fluorescent bulb will save an estimated $50 to $80 in electricity charges over its lifetime.