Province Promotes Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs; Launches Partnership Program
It only takes one Nova Scotian to change a lightbulb, and Conserve Nova Scotia is giving households two compact fluorescent light bulbs to get them started.
The second phase of It Starts With Me, a residential energy-efficient-lighting campaign, was launched today, May 10, in Sydney by Premier Rodney MacDonald. Premier MacDonald was joined by Bill Dooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia, and Annette Verschuren, president Home Depot Canada.
Under the program, Nova Scotians can visit any Home Depot in the province to receive two free 15-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)until Sunday, May 20.
"This program is an effective example of how we are moving toward a new Nova Scotia; a place where green is as vital to the economy as it is the environment," said Premier MacDonald. "Today, we get to work with our private-sector partner, Home Depot, to become tangible catalysts for change in provincial energy usage, helping to ensure an we have a sustainable environment and economy for future generations."
Energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to seventy-five per cent less energy, save users about $40 over the lifetime of the bulb, and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. If every home or apartment in Nova Scotia had one light bulb changed to a compact fluorescent, it would save enough electricity to power 2,000 homes for one year.
Ms. Verschuren said the project is a good way for Nova Scotians to try the lighting technology.
"I hope all my fellow Nova Scotians will participate in this program," said Ms. Verschuren. "From our experience, I can almost guarantee this program will show Nova Scotians how easy it is to save energy and money, and they will be hooked."
In addition to the energy-efficient-lighting promotion, Conserve Nova Scotia launched a partnership incentive program that will allow community groups, landlords, municipalities, municipal utilities, businesses and agencies a $1 subsidy from the province for the purchase of compact fluorescent light bulbs. Under the program, interested groups must make bulk purchases of at least 100 bulbs.
Applications must be approved before the purchase of the bulbs and will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available at www.conservens.ca .
Mr. Dooks said the program will help more Nova Scotians make a difference in their energy use.
"There are still a number of Nova Scotians who aren't aware of the money-saving and environmental benefits that CFLs provide," he said. "As the provincial government's energy efficiency agency, Conserve Nova Scotia is dedicated to partnering with community groups and organizations to promote the use of energy saving CFLs to Nova Scotians provincewide."
More information on both programs, including a list of participating Home Depot locations, is available at www.itstartswithme.ca .