‘BOGO’ helps families lower their electric bill

Some 183 families in the CNMI are now lowering their electric bills by replacing energy-wasting incandescent bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescents.

The CNMI Energy Division in cooperation with Ace Hardware and YCO True Value Hardware has helped families make the switch with its BOGO—Buy One/Get One Free—program.

Sept. 2 marked the third time the Energy Division staff was on hand at the hardware stores to match a free compact fluorescent to every compact fluorescent a customer bought. And the Energy Division plans a fourth BOGO day on Friday, Sept. 16, 2005, from 8am to 2pm.

The only requirement is that the purchased bulbs have to be labeled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star® logo.

“We even had a customer fly in from Tinian to take advantage of the BOGO promotion,” said Energy director Thelma B. Inos.

Since starting the program as part of the administration-sponsored Conservation Initiative, the Energy Division has given away 671 energy-saving bulbs, or CFLs.

“They just screw into the same socket as an incandescent bulb,” says Inos. “It’s really simple to do. And you start saving money immediately.”

The CFL bulbs produce the same amount of light as a regular incandescent bulb, but use only 1/4 as much electricity.

“It’s exciting to see how people react when they see the light bulb comparison meter we have on display,” says Inos. “Most couldn’t believe how much electricity a regular incandescent light bulb uses compared to an energy-saving CFL.”

Inos said the CFLs are more expensive to begin with, but with the BOGO program the payback is only about six months.

“After that the investment really starts paying off. And these CFLs are rated to last up to five years, unlike a regular bulb,” she said.

To sweeten the BOGO deal even more, anyone who purchases three or more CFLs get a free hat or shirt from the Energy Division. Anyone who purchases six or more CFLs get an umbrella with the EPA Energy Star® logo and the Energy Division’s “Making a Change for the Better” slogan.

Many customers were so enthusiastic about getting the free hat, shirt or umbrella that, instead of buying only one energy-saving light bulb, they bought several.

“Everyone is looking for ways to reduce their utility bill. One of the fastest and easiest ways is to swap your incandescent bulbs for CFLs,” Inos said.

For more energy conservation tips, contact the Energy Division at 664-4480/1/2. (PR)