The Cost of Lighting
TODAY’S LIGHT BULBS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY ON ELECTRICITY, BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN ALSO SAVE ON THE ELECTRICTY ITSELF?
The light bulb has come a long way. Today’s bulbs last longer and use less electricity, but despite the advances in technology they still lead to the consumption of considerable quantities of energy for residential and commercial electricity users. Lighting is responsible for consuming the second largest quantity of electricity in US homes, behind air conditioning. Moving towards a more efficient lighting solution with high efficiency light bulbs is a great way to save money on electricity, but some residents and businesses don’t realize that they could be paying less for the electricity itself.
Let’s first look at the light bulb as a source of savings. New laws have raised minimum efficiency standards for traditional incandescent light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy to produce light; about 90% of their energy is given off as heat. The new laws require the most popular 60-watt bulb, for example, to be roughly 25% more efficient. Today’s two most popular alternative bulbs far exceed those regulations. They are the compact florescent lamps (CFL’s) and light emitting diode (LED). CFL bulbs that are energy star qualified use about 75% less energy, and can last up to ten times longer than traditional incandescent. LED’s use about 85% – 90% less electricity and will last up to twenty five times longer. Furthermore, LED bulbs continue to improve in efficiency and quality. The below chart shows how LED bulbs compare to the other leading options.
New lighting technologies make it possible for both residential and commercial electricity customers to cut energy usage and reduce electricity costs, but now let’s consider the electricity itself. Not everyone is utilizing the most efficient solution available. Utilities provide one option, however residential and business customers have the option to choose their electricity provider in markets with electric choice. The right provider can often help deliver the same electricity for less than the utility.
Realgy Energy Services provides an excellent alternative to the utilities by helping customers accomplish their energy savings goals through strategic energy plans. Realgy Energy Services spends 1-2 years conducting analysis and modeling area’s energy requirements, energy costs, utility delivery rules, etc. As a result when we approach potential clients we are ready to offer an effective plan that will provide real savings. When you combine the lower cost of your energy consumption by using energy efficient light bulbs, with the lower cost of the electricity, the savings can be significant.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Additional information: www.realgyenergyservices.com