Bend Energy Challenge offering free LED bulbs, installation

The Bend Energy Challenge, a program of the Environmental Center, is offering a free and convenient way to make your home more energy-efficient. Through the LED Light Bulb Installation Program, The Bend Energy Challenge will install up to 16 LED bulbs in your house – all for free.

Today’s light emitting diodes, commonly known as LED light bulbs, can be six to seven times more energy-efficient than conventional incandescent lights and cut energy use by more than 80 percent. LEDs can also last 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs.

During an installation appointment, the team will determine and address highest traffic areas in the home. Existing bulbs will be replaced with energy-saving LED bulbs for lamps or recessed can bulbs.

As a result of the installation, residents can save up to $160 on utility bills each year. If each household in Bend switched just eight bulbs, the community would cumulatively save $2.6 million.

For even bigger savings, the team can also install water-saving features such as high power, low flow shower heads and kitchen aerators.

“We’re excited to bring this program to Bend as a way to thank Energy Heroes who are a part of our team and have been working hard to save energy,” said Lindsey Hardy, Bend Energy Challenge Project director. “Through this program, we’ll also connect even more people with an easy and affordable way to save energy.”

Residents can sign up for the program at http://www.bendenergychallenge.org/freebulbs and will receive a phone call to schedule the installation. The installation appointment takes approximately one hour.

This program is made possible through collaboration with the Energy Trust of Oregon. The Bend Energy Challenge is only able to install light bulbs for customers served by Pacific Power, and water-saving features for customers who heat their water with Pacific Power or Cascade Natural Gas. The team can only replace incandescent bulbs in high-traffic areas. This offer is currently available in zip codes 97701, 97702 and 97703.

For more information and to sign up for your free light bulb installation, visit www.bendenergychallenge.org/freebulbs.