LED light exchange proves very successful

December 3, 2010

The 2010 Christmas Light Exchange Program offered by the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and The City of Red Deer was a tremendous success. In less than six weeks, 4000 strings of old inefficient, incandescent Christmas lights were exchanged by Red Deerians. The project, funded by The City’s Electric, Light & Power department, gave out 1188 strings of LED strings in trade.

According to the Electric, Light & Power department, the LED strings are 96 per cent more efficient than the incandescent models and save 9.9 kW/h of electricity each month. Over a projected 10 year lifespan, these strings will save the community money and 113,350kW/h of electricity. When this number is added to the energy savings from last year’s LED light exchange, Red Deer’s total 10 year electricity savings will be over 226,700kW/h.

“This year was equally as successful as our first year running the program,” said Todd Nivens, of the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. “These are conservative numbers considering that many of the people bringing in lights to trade were then heading to local retailers to buy matching strings; replacing even more old models.”

Kerry Wood Nature Centre will keep the recycling bin at the Nature Centre until December 3 for anyone still wishing to dispose of their old strings of lights in an environmentally responsible way.

Red Deerians are reminded by Environmental Services and Electric, Light & Power to conserve power where you can, especially in this high-demand season. Put your Christmas lights on a timer, run your non-essential appliances at off-peak times and do simple things like turning off the lights when you leave a room.

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For more information contact:

Nancy Hackett                                         Todd Nivens
Environmental Initiatives Supervisor             Program Coordinator
The City of Red Deer                                 Kerry Wood Nature Center
403-342-8750                                           403-346-2010