The Great Bulb Exchange Shines Bright in Stratford

Mayor Harkins and State Representative Hoydick inspire residents to take control of their energy future

On Saturday June 21, 2014, Stratford residents were invited to participate in the Great Bulb Exchange. This event, hosted by Energize Connecticut in conjunction with The United Illuminating Company’s Clean Energy Communities program, encouraged Stratford residents to take control of their energy future.

Held at The Home Depot in Stratford, the Great Bulb Exchange gave individuals the opportunity to receive two free dimmable 60-watt equivalent LED light bulbs in return for two old incandescent bulbs. In addition to the LED light bulbs, residents were also given energy efficiency tips, information on various energy saving programs, free hot dogs and sodas, and the opportunity to speak with Stratford’s Mayor John Harkins and State Representative Laura Hoydick.  

“Thank you to the United Illuminating Company and Energize Connecticut for bringing the Great Bulb Exchange program to Stratford,” said Mayor John Harkins. “The bulbs exchanged will result in lower energy consumption and, ultimately, more money into residents’ pockets. It’s a win-win for everybody.”    

Mayor Harkins and Rep. Hoydick are strong advocates for this town-wide initiative aimed at reducing energy consumption along with putting money back into resident’s pockets. Close to 800 households were represented at the exchange resulting in the giveaway of nearly 1600 LED bulbs. This translates to residents saving more than $241 over the lifetime of each LED for a total savings for the town of $383,285. Stratford will also save a total of 87,927 kWh each year.

"The effort here in Stratford to make efficient, energy-conscious choices has already made great progress toward maximizing energy conservation, and this event continues that effort," said Rep. Hoydick, who serves as Ranking Member of the legislature's Energy and Technology Committee.  "This event was a great opportunity for residents to turn in old, inefficient bulbs, and replace them with more energy efficient LED bulbs.  Making changes like this for your home not only saves energy, but saves you money."

One LED light bulb can last up to 25 times longer and uses about 80 percent less electricity than an old-fashioned incandescent. Residents who made the switch to LEDs from traditional incandescent light bulbs will see these immediate savings.

About Energize Connecticut

Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.