Celebrate 'Change a Light, Change the World' and Make the Brighter Choice; ENERGY STAR Rated Floor Lamps Save Money and Potentially Lives.

Energy Editors and Consumer Writers

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BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2002

It may be sitting in the corner of your den or living room. Perhaps it's the main source of light in your child's dorm room. It's that low-cost, dimmable halogen floor lamp that you most likely give little, if any, thought to. Energy and safety experts however, warn that these torchiere lamps deserve your full attention. So much so, that they suggest you should consider replacing them with an ENERGY STAR(R) rated lamp. There's no better time than the present - the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are celebrating with the national ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World awareness campaign.

Concerns about halogen torchieres are two-fold. First, these lamps are extremely energy inefficient. According to the LightSite.net, the cost to operate a halogen unit ranges from $35 - $75 per year. An ENERGY STAR(R) rated torchiere with its compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) costs only $7 -- $15 to operate over the same period. Additionally, you'll save money with fewer bulb replacements. The lifespan of a CFL is eight years - more than five times longer than the halogen.

Environmental benefits also result from the energy efficiency of ENERGY STAR rated torchieres. If consumers were to change the 50-million halogen lamps now in use in the United States to ENERGY STAR rated ones, each year we could prevent approximately 12 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, an amount equal to the annual emissions of 1.6 million cars.

Safety experts voice the second concern - halogen torchieres are dangerous fire hazards. The bulbs in these lamps can reach temperatures as high as 700 degrees - 1,100 degrees F - hot enough to burn paper and cloth. In fact, a halogen bulb gets so hot that you can fry an egg in a pan on it within 3-5 minutes (we don't recommend you try this at home).

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, halogen torchiere floor lamps were responsible for at least 260 fires, 84 injuries and 12 deaths in the United States between the years of 1992 and 1998. Additionally, one out of six universities have experienced fires caused by halogen torchieres.

Again, ENERGY STAR rated lamps are a safer alternative as they only average temperatures in the 100 -- 150 degrees F range while providing nearly identical light output as their halogen counterparts.

Considering that you can save money, improve the environment and prevent potentially deadly accidents, you might want to take a long look at your halogen torchiere lamp and swap it for an ENERGY STAR rated one. In fact, because of the energy inefficiency and hazards associated with halogen lamps, many utility companies sponsor "turn-in" events at local retailers. Check with your electric company or visit www.betterwaytosave.com for information on ENERGY STAR(R) rated products and upcoming turn-in events in your neighborhood.

Change a Light, Change the World is a national ENERGY STAR lighting products promotion and campaign rolled into one. ENERGY STAR -labeled products meet high standards for energy efficiency and quality guidelines, which means they use less energy and save you money without sacrificing performance or quality. Products included in the promotion are fixtures, bulbs and ceiling fans.

The ENERGY STAR -label can be found on products in 30 different categories, including appliances, electronics, office equipment, lighting, heating and cooling systems, windows, and even new homes. All these products can be found at your local retailer - just look for the ENERGY STAR -label. ENERGY STAR - the brighter choice.

About "A Better Way to Save"

The "Better Way to Save" program sponsors include the Cape Light Compact, Connecticut Light & Power (Northeast Utilities), Efficiency Vermont, Long Island Power Authority, Massachusetts Electric Company (National Grid), Nantucket Electric Company (National Grid), Narragansett Electric Company (National Grid), NStar Electric, The United Illuminating Company, Unitil/Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company (Northeast Utilities). All of these companies and organizations support the national ENERGY STAR initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help consumers identify energy-efficient lighting and appliances. For more information about ENERGY STAR products and for downloadable versions of this educational program, please visit www.betterwaytosave.com.

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