Media Contacts:
Karl Walquist (775) 834-3891 (Sierra Pacific)

Fluorescent Lights Will Reduce Residents' Power Bills

Sierra Pacific Power, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Reno Housing Authority (RHA) are partnering to reduce lighting costs for Silverada Manor, a low-income housing complex in Reno for seniors and disabled residents. They're replacing the incandescent lights in the 150-unit complex with energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).

CFLs use a fraction of the electricity, generate little heat and last nearly 10 times longer than traditional bulbs, according to John Hargrove, senior program manager for Sierra Pacific Power.

Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers from Sierra Pacific, HUD and RHA are replacing the inefficient lighting at the Silverada Manor with ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs. Sierra Pacific Power is donating approximately 1,920 CFLs for the lighting retrofit project. Each 14-watt CFL produces as much light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb.

The CFLs could potentially save the Silverada Manor residents over $11,000 per year in energy costs, and approximately $106,000 over the lifetime of the bulbs, Hargrove said. The change-out will also save the residents'time since the lights will not need to be changed as often. Located on Silverada Boulevard, Silverada Manor is owned and operated by the Reno Housing Authority, an independent agency that is funded by HUD.

Discounted Prices for CFLs

Sierra Pacific Power is also working with lighting manufacturers and retailers in northern Nevada to offer special pricing on a variety of ENERGY STAR® lighting products. 
Special offers are available at participating retailers, including Lowes, The Home Depot, Dollar Tree, Ace Hardware, Costco, and Big Lots stores through December or as long as supplies last.

"Today, families are trying to find ways to reduce their energy consumption, and that can be as easy as changing a light,” Hargrove said. Ã¢â‚¬Å“Energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps use up to 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, and they can save up to $25 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.?