CFL EXCHANGE PROGRAM--
AVAILABLE ONLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

As a member of Firelands Electric Cooperative, you can switch your inefficient incandescent light bulbs to new, energy-saving CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs), and it's absolutely FREE. These ENERGY STAR® qualified CFL bulbs use about 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer while still offering the same warm, soft light you're used to.

Bring your old incandescent light bulbs (limit 9 per membership) to Firelands’ office headquarters anytime during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) to exchange them for your new FREE CFLs.  Click here for directions to our office location.

If you took advantage of the 2008 CFL Exchange, the limit (9 bulbs per membership) was “reset” in 2009, where you can exchange up to nine more incandescent bulbs for 9 CFLs. The CFL bulb limit for both 2008-2009 CFL exchange programs is a total of 18 CFLs. Make the switch today -- for you, your wallet and for the environment!

Offer good while supplies last, and the CFL Exchange Program will end July 2010.

This program is an effort to save money for the cooperative and its members. The cost of CFLs is less than the cost to build a new generating plant to provide the next incremental kWh of power, which is how the cooperative will save. Also, CFLs will help lower our demand during peak periods. Members save directly with lower monthly electricity costs. The 19-watt CFLs replace 75-watt incandescent bulbs and provide the same light output while reducing energy use by 75%.

The free CFLs can be used in any standard socket, but will not work in three-way or dimmable fixtures or lamps. On average, each 19-watt CFL will save $56 in electricity cost over its lifetime, compared to a standard 75-watt incandescent bulb. Indoor lighting constitutes nearly 12 percent of the household electricity consumption by Ohio electric cooperative members, which equates to 564,000 megawatt hours annually. CFLs are in 53 percent of homes, with just under four CFLs per household. The average household has more than 40 light fixtures, and over half are ideally suited to CFLs.

Click here to calculate your savings using Firelands' Lighting Calculator. Simply enter the wattage of your current light bulbs, the number of bulbs and the approximate hours of use per day; click Calculate, and you will see your monthly and annual savings. Click here to view frequently asked questions regarding CFLs.

The CFLs provided to our members are manufactured by TCP, a world leader in energy-efficient lighting. CFLs of varying shapes, sizes, operating features and output ratings are available at Home Depot, WalMart, Lowe’s and other chain stores, along with local hardware stores, grocery stores, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding CFLs

Recycling information for compact fluorescent bulbs may be found at www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.earth911.org.