DURANGO, Colo. – In support of the nationally-publicized Earth Day 2008 on April 22, La Plata Electric Association is posing a challenge to citizens in La Plata and Archuleta counties to join LPEA employees and be “Earth-friendly” and energy efficient: walk, carpool or bike to work.

Further, on April 22, LPEA will distribute compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) (one per person) free of charge during regular business hours at both the Durango and Pagosa Springs LPEA offices, as well as at Durango City Hall, and Town Halls in Pagosa, Ignacio and Bayfield - while supplies last.

“We want to lead by example,” said LPEA CEO Greg Munro. “It is becoming increasingly important that we all conserve energy. Making an effort on Earth Day is a good start, but we hope we can help influence folks to begin changing their habits. It will be imperative going forward.”

“When people bike or walk down to their town halls to pick up a compact fluorescent, we’re asking they sign up for the ‘Change a Light’ pledge,” said LPEA Project Specialist Ray Pierotti, referencing the national Energy Star program that encourages replacement of incandescent bulbs. “If every home in the U.S replaced just one incandescent light bulb with a CFL, in one year, that would save enough energy to light more than three million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 800,000 cars.”

Thanks to support of member/customers in LPEA’s service territory, LPEA has already exceeded its own “Change a Light” goal by more than four times. During the ’07-08 campaign, local residents have pledged to change out 881 light bulbs as of this writing, replacing 3,575 incandescents with CFLs. Those member/customers will save a total of nearly $94,000 by using the energy efficient bulbs, as well as prevent almost 1.5 million lbs. of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Switching from incandescents to CFLs is an easy way everyone can reduce energy usage,” said Pierotti, noting that the pledge can also be taken on line at www.lpea.coop.  “Lighting accounts for approximately 20 percent of the average home electric bill. Energy Star qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescents and last up to 10 times longer.”

 According to Pierotti, La Plata and Archuleta counties are state leaders in the ‘Change a Light’ effort. Entities stepping forward to assist LPEA as “Pledge Driver” member organizations include Bank of the San Juans, Kroeger’s Ace Hardware, the Town of Pagosa, Durango High Noon Rotary and the Interact Club, and local schools, Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary, Ignacio Elementary and St. Columba.

 An additional Earth Day-related activity sponsored by LPEA in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity is the “Yes We Can…Smash!!” event. To be held in the parking lot at LPEA’s Durango headquarters in Bodo Industrial Park, 45 Stewart, the event is a reprise of the successful inaugural event held last November.

“Cans for Habitat is the national program that helps fund construction of Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homes,” said Jeannie Bennett, coordinating the event for LPEA. “They collect aluminum cans, but those cans need to be smashed before being transported to Cortez for recycling.”

“Yes We Can… Smash!!” is set for April 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with lunch provided by LPEA. Habitat is seeking volunteers  – individuals or organizations - to “smash.” To sign-up or for further information, contact Nadine Chaney-Orantes, Habitat assistant director of faith relations, 382.9735 or Nadine@habitatdurango.org.  

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its nearly 30,000 members with more than 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, visit www.lpea.coop.

#  #  #