Energy Challenge Installs Free LED Light Bulbs in 700 Redmond Homes

700th Redmond House

The Energy Challenge team is excited to announce they have installed free LED light bulbs in 700 homes in Redmond! Over the past three years, The Energy Challenge has installed over 75,000 super-efficient LED (light emitting diode) light bulbs in over 5,000 homes in Central Oregon. Each bulb may seem like a small drop in the bucket, but cumulatively these bulbs will save Central Oregon residents over $13.8 Million, or an annual savings of almost $500,000.

This free program connects Central Oregon residents, homeowners and renters alike, with resources to save energy instantly. As soon as you switch a light on, you are already using 80% less energy than a conventional light bulb. Efficient water-saving fixtures can also help save energy by reducing the amount of hot water that needs to be heated, and of course, the amount of water consumed. In addition to instant savings, participants are connected with resources to take their energy savings a step further through other opportunities such as heat pump water heaters, ductless heat pumps, and solar power systems.

Deanna Nielsen and her two daughters were the lucky Redmond residents living in the 700th home to get the free LEDs. By installing these bulbs and water-saving fixtures in their home, Deanna and other participants are helping their community by saving energy – which helps to prevent the need for more power plants. The amount of energy saved each year with these light bulbs has an energy equivalent it takes to power 333 homes for one year.

“We hope this illustrates that even your smallest actions add up to something much bigger than yourself,” said Neil Baunsgard, Program Manager of The Energy Challenge. “When you’re making changes to save energy, however small, you’re part of a community-wide movement and you truly are making a difference.”

The program is scheduled to run through the end of December 2018 and is available in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras and Tumalo. Residents are encouraged to sign up online or by calling at 541-385-6908 X26. This program is made possible through collaboration with Energy Trust of Oregon and Central Electric Cooperative.

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