Lighting

Save money and prevent pollution with fluorescent and higher efficiency lighting. Regular incandescent bulbs are inefficient, converting only 10% of the electricity used into light. The other 90% is wasted as heat.

Compact fluorescent bulbs

Direct replacement for incandescents.
Provide more lumens per watt.
Three times more efficient than incandescents.
Lumens-per-watt comparison.

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting

More efficient than CFLs.
Longer lasting than other light sources.
Higher cost than other light sources.
Learn more at LED Lighting.

Replace your halogen torchieres with compact fluorescents

Halogen lightbulbs are a fire safety hazard, reaching 700 to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Compact fluorescent torchieres are a safe and energy-efficient alternative, saving about $50 per year in energy costs if used four hours per day.

Produce natural-looking, high-quality light.
Equal or more light than 300-watt halogen torchieres.
Use about one-fourth the electricity.
ENERGY STAR® label means the lamp is energy efficient, reliable and safe.

Outdoor nighttime safety improves with good lighting

Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescents wherever practical.
Use photo-eye controls to turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn.
Choose motion detection sensors to provide light only when needed.
Compare outdoor lighting costs.
Be a good neighbor. Avoid light trespass and offensive glare by choosing fixtures that don't show exposed bulbs.

Energy-saving lighting tips

Replace most-used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with fluorescents. You'll save two-thirds of lighting costs.
Turn lights off when not in use.
Use photo-eyes and timers rather than leaving lights on.
Recycle energy-efficient lightbulbs.

For more information

The Power of Working Together [428 kB PDF]
Holiday Lighting Tips
Lighting Brochure [1.5 MB PDF]
CFL Bulb Recycling Locations in Dane County [184 kB PDF]
Track Your Carbon Footprint at CO2gether.org

Or call the MGE Home Energy Line at (608) 252-7117.