FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2001

CONTACT: Susan M. Giller (760) 482-9610

Imperial Irrigation District customers will get a chance to save money and see the light when they open their power bills this month.

October power bills include a $5 discount for an Energy Star®-labeled compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb that can be redeemed at a participating retailer.

"During Public Power Month we think it is an appropriate time to offer customers a chance to save money and reduce power consumption," Phil Falkenstein, supervisor of IID's public benefit programs, said.

As a public power provider, IID offers not-for-profit rates and the ability to work in partnership with the communities it serves. IID charges one of the lowest power rates in the state of California.

Falkenstein said energy efficiencies, like using CFLs, help keep the costs down.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs save money because they use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. CFLs are more efficient because the energy they use creates light, not heat. In standard incandescent bulbs, only 10 percent of the energy used makes light, the rest is wasted as heat.

The discount coupons are paid with funds generated from state-mandated Public Benefit Charge funds. PBC funds are used for a variety of programs that benefit the public and save energy.

This summer, IID's PBC programs saved 1,350 kilowatts of power, Falkenstein said.