FPU Joins Energy-Efficient Movement with Compact Fluorescent Lighting Program and Energy Right
A utility's function is, obviously, to sell the products, which are electricity, natural gas and water. But in current day, the focus on utility use also incorporates efficiency and conservation to better protect our environment and natural resources.
At FPU, we have always encouraged our customers to be wise utility users by using efficiency standards and safety. In return, you receive a natural savings on your utility bills.
Recently, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) released its revised Strategic Plan which now includes the promotion of energy efficiency.
In partnership with others, TVA will now strive to be a leader in energy-efficiency improvements and peak demand reduction over the next five years. Improving energy efficiency and reducing peak demand are significant actions that help slow demand growth in a cost-effective manner while addressing air pollution and global climate change. According to TVA officials, the energy efficiency promotion valley wide will include conservation (using less), efficiency (using smarter) and peak shaving (avoiding use at the most expensive times).
With this focus across the valley, Fayetteville Public Utilities has taken yet another step forward in promoting energy efficiency in the sale of compact fluorescent lighting.
In September, FPU launched its campaign to encourage customers to switch from incandescent light bulbs to fluorescents. Partnering with The Exchange, a local shopper newspaper, FPU now sells the 13, 20 and 23 watt compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs.
Comparing the energy savings of using the CFL bulbs, if you simply look at the wattage required to operate them, a standard 60-watt incandescent bulb uses 60 watts of electricity and offers between 750 and 1,000 hours of life. The equivalent is a 13-watt CFL bulb which uses 13 watts of electricity and can burn as long as 10,000 hours. It's easy to see that fluorescent lighting is a wise choice in saving energy on your home and office lighting.
On average, lighting contributes to about 20% of your overall energy use each month. Most CFL manufacturers claim that the bulbs can provide anywhere from 60 - 75% energy efficiency for lighting. Again, this is a wise and effective approach for all of us to take toward energy efficiency.
In addition, the "using less" and "using smarter" commitment also extends into the reinstating of the TVA Energy Right programs at FPU. No longer does the program only promote electricity over other heating fuels, but rather energy efficiency across the board. The new program is designed to offer utility customers assistance and energy-saving advice for new home construction, installation of a new electric heat pump or a dual-fuel unit, electric water heater and do-it-yourself home energy audit.
Because FPU is a dual-fuel utility, we are bringing back the TVA Energy Right program for the mere fact that it offers valuable advice on how you can improve the efficiency of your home no matter which fuel you use to heat with. The heat pump financing program now qualifies the dual-fuel heating systems, allowing our customers to use both electricity and natural gas to heat their homes.
The Energy Right programs are of great value to our customers, so I encourage you to call our office at (931) 433-1522, and ask how Energy Right can work for you.
I encourage you all to take a step now toward energy efficiency. Let's work together in Fayetteville and Lincoln County to make a difference in how we use our utilities and natural resources.
For more information about energy efficiency, visit www.energyright.com or come by the FPU office today.
Fayetteville Public Utilities is here to serve you. Our office hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. A dispatcher is on duty until 10 pm 7 nights a week including holidays.
A utility's function is, obviously, to sell the products, which are electricity, natural gas and water. But in current day, the focus on utility use also incorporates efficiency and conservation to better protect our environment and natural resources.
