Nickels: Change your light bulb, save the city millions

Nickels: Change your light bulb, save the city millions

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Story Published: Aug 20, 2008 at 5:34 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 12:58 AM PDT

By KOMO Staff

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SEATTLE -- Here's an easy formula for saving money on the electric bill: start with one light bulb. Then multiply that bulb across the city and the result, according to the city's power brokers, will be nearly a half-million dollars saved.

Mayor Greg Nickels is urging citizens to start at home by switching regular bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. They're more expensive but tend to last up to seven times longer.

The city's growing population is putting a strain on its energy load, but the mayor says building a new power plant is not an option.

"What we found is conservation is less expensive and provides the same kind of capacity that building a plant would. So it's a smart choice," he said.

Nickels said his conservation plan will not only cut residents' power bill by up to 30 percent, but also reduce pollution and create about a thousand new jobs in the form of energy auditors who will be trained to show residents how to conserve.

"What I'm really struck by is the 'oomph' of that plan," said Claire Fulenwider with Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.

The plan includes rebates when consumers buy energy-efficient electronics and appliances. In-home monitors can help residents track and reduce energy use. The city is also offering incentives to cut the cost of new homes built more green and energy efficient.

Nickels said the city must continue its efforts to convert its gasoline-based transportation system to electric.

City light will budget about $185 million for these and other conservation programs for the next five years.

"By conserving power, we end up saving money to the customer," said said Jorge Carrasco, superintendent of Seattle City Light.

Carrasco said savings from the plan will total $480 million. That's the cost of building a new power plant or buying power from outside sources.

Energy auditors recently surveyed Qwest Field. The Seahawks found by changing light bulbs and lighting fixtures, they can save close to $120,000 per year.

For ways to save energy in your own home, click here.

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