BURBANK PROGRAM TO LIGHT UP NIGHT; NEW PORCH LAMPS OFFER SAFETY, REBATES.

Byline: Mary Lou Aurelio Daily News Staff Writer

Leave the light on, Burbank.

The city is encouraging residents to turn their porch lights on at night by offering a rebate for a specialized low-energy night light fixture.

Residents can get up to a $20 rebate for the $12 to $50 compact fluorescent lamp on the outside of their home. The light automatically comes on at dusk and goes off at dawn, saves homeowners up to 75 percent on electricity and lasts 10 times as long as standard incandescent bulbs, city officials said.

``They can save money on their electricity and keep the light on at night for safety,'' said city spokeswoman Cinda Cates. ``It's a money-saving thing - running the porch light for safety and they get a rebate on it - what better deal?''

The fluorescent lamps operate by sensor, staying lit from dusk to dawn. That's especially important for seniors, who sometimes forget to turn on the porch light, said Mary Forrest, Public Service Department senior conservation adviser.

``Many seniors are very concerned about being elderly and not being able to protect themselves,'' she said. ``This way, they've got a comfort level from dusk to dawn and they don't have to remember to turn it on. It's a built-in element of security, and they don't have to think about it. It's a given.''

The Lights On program will run through the end of June, but Forrest expects the city to continue it.

The fixtures can be purchased at most hardware or lighting stores, she said. After installation, residents should call the utility conservation office. An appointment for an inspection will be set up.

Rebates are available for up to two qualified fixtures per household.

Cates said the city tries to do a variety of things to encourage conservation and has offered other rebate programs, including on low-flush toilets.

For more information, call [phone].