Celebrate Earth Hour and Make the Switch to Energy-Efficient Lights

Time Is Right for Energy-Efficient LED Light Bulbs as Prices Fall and Variety Increases

From now until April 26, Ontario residents can save on LEDs and other energy-efficient products with saveONenergy COUPONS

TORONTO, March 28, 2015 /CNW/ - What better way to celebrate Earth Hour than by making the switch to LEDs?  With the launch of the saveONenergy Spring Coupon event, the time is right for consumers to switch to LEDs and other energy-efficient devices. 

"Earth Hour is a great opportunity to think about the ways in which we can all make wiser use of electricity," said Terry Young, IESO Vice-President of Conservation and Corporate Relations.  "The saveONenergy Spring Coupon event makes it easier for consumers to improve energy efficiency in their homes and reduce their electricity costs."

Over the last eight years, Ontarians have saved more than 550,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity – enough to power the City of North Bay for a year - just by using saveONenergy coupons to invest in LEDs and other energy-efficient devices. 

Surging in popularity, LED bulbs are now available in many shapes to fit a range of light fixtures and in colours that create the mood and warm glow that many people enjoy.  Over the next month, consumers can head down to a nearby participating retailer and find coupons for savings of up to $5 off ENERGY STAR^® qualified LED lightbulbs.

Some facts about LED lights:

• LEDs are typically rated to last 20 to 25 times longer and use 75 to 90 per cent less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• LEDs cost a fraction of what they did five years ago, falling from $50 -60 each to as low as $7.
• In 2013, LEDs accounted for less than one per cent of residential lighting in the U.S. – but are expected to rise to 33 per cent by the end of the decade.

saveONenergy coupons are also available for a wide range of other eligible energy-efficient products to help you reduce your energy use, including: ENERGY STAR^® qualified light fixtures, lighting controls (timers, dimmers, motion sensors), power bars with integrated timers or auto-shutoff, heavy duty outdoor timers, ENERGY STAR^® qualified ceiling fans, and outdoor umbrella stands or clothesline kits. During the Spring Event, saveONenergy coupons are available on store shelves at participating retailers and can be downloaded online at saveonenergy.ca. 

About saveONenergy

saveONenergy programs for homes and businesses are offered through local electric utilities with the support of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).  Twice each year (spring and fall) saveONenergy coupons are available in-store at participating retailers for instant savings across a wide range of energy-efficient products.  Visit saveonenergy.ca  for more information.

About the IESO

The IESO manages the province's power system so that Ontarians receive power when and where they need it. It plans and prepares for future electricity needs, and works with its partners to guide conservation efforts.  On January 1, 2015, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) amalgamated with the IESO.  For more information, please visit http://www.ieso.ca.

SOURCE saveONenergy

Image with caption: "saveONenergy logo (CNW Group/saveONenergy)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150328_C1500_PHOTO_EN_13662.jpg

Media Contact: Martine Holmsen, IESO, 416-998-2837 (cell), [email protected]