Green Program Nets 1 Million Bulbs

SCE&G offers discounts up to $3 per bulb for consumers who purchase compact fluorescent light bulbs, and recently the utility company announced it has helped sell one million of the bulbs.

“It’s great to see more residential customers switch to CFL bulbs,” said Nakeeah Garland, ENERGY STAR lighting incentives program manager at SCE&G. “This simple switch is an easy — and effective — way for customers to save money and energy year round."

CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer, according to a SCE&G news release. On average, a single CFL bulb can save more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime.

Despite the apparent positive environmental impact, the light bulbs are controversial in some circles. Certain CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury and the new bulbs are more expensive. There was a backlash earlier this year when it appeared incandescent bulbs were being phased out and consumers would be forced to purchase the CFLs. That government measure has since been delayed

“Using CFLs instead of standard incandescent bulbs can add up to real savings for customers,” Garland said. “Given that the average household has approximately 40 light fixtures, CFLs can save customers as much as $1,600 over the lifetime of the bulbs.”

In the Charleston area, Costco, Dollar General, Dwellsmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, Sam's Club, True Value Hardware, Walgreens and Walmart offer the discounts.

Learn more about the program on SCE&G.