Saving money and energy this year can be as simple as the twist of an ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL).  It’s a quick and easy solution to lowering utility bills in addition to saving energy and helping the environment. 

Through Dec. 31, 2005, Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) is encouraging its customers to “Change the World” one light at a time by replacing the bulbs in the five most frequently used light fixtures in their homes.  In the average home, the most frequently used fixtures are in the living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom and master bathroom.  By making this change to ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs, a typical U.S. household could save up to $60 a year in energy costs. 

IPL is helping Indiana residents make the switch to energy efficient lighting by offering up to a $2 instant Cash-Back Rebate on ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL purchases of 12 bulbs or less.  With the instant rewards, the bulbs will sell for as little as $0.99 at select Ace Hardware and Home Depot locations. The program is being held in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) national “ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World” campaign. 

“Most people want to do their part to help the environment, but sometimes don’t know where to start,” said Ann D. Murtlow, IPL President & CEO. “Choosing ENERGY STAR qualified lighting for the home is a simple way to save time, energy and money, and help preserve our environment for future generations.” 

Not only do ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than typical incandescent light bulbs, but CFLs also offer superior performance by lasting up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.  With the wide variety of CFL shapes, sizes and styles available, energy efficient lighting can be used throughout the home and year.

For more information about the “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign, contact MEEA at 888-476-9548 or visit the MEEA Web site at www.mwalliance.org/cal2005.

About Indianapolis Power & Light Company
Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) provides retail electric service to about 460,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indianapolis, as well as portions of other Central Indiana communities surrounding Marion County.  During its long history, IPL has supplied its customers with some of the lowest-cost, most reliable power in the country.  For more information, visit www.IPLpower.com.
 
About the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is a regional network of organizations collaborating to promote energy efficiency.  MEEA's vision is to be a leader in raising and sustaining the level of energy efficiency in the Midwest region by fostering increased market penetration of existing energy efficient technologies and promoting new technologies, products and best practices, including renewable energy.

 
MEEA’s goal is to provide a collective voice at a national and regional level; act as a clearinghouse to identify, evaluate and create successful programs and market assessments for the region; and foster communication on effective energy policy.  Formed in 1999, MEEA's strategy is to develop innovative programs that achieve measurable and verifiable results.
 
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in    1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency.  Today, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR program offers businesses and consumers energy efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations.  More than 8,000 organizations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses.  For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.

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Contact: Crystal Livers-Powers
317-261-8423
crystal.liverspowers@aes.com