Project Porchlight Blog

Victor Berg (pictured here) knows electricity. The retired commercial wireman spent more than 30 years working for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He has a keen appreciation of how important it is to conserve energy and make smart choices when it comes to electricity.

When Victor found information about Project Porchlight with his utility bill, he knew he’d come across a bright idea. “(I’ve seen) many projects dealing with changing lighting systems to more energy-efficient ones,” he says. “As a member of IBEW, I see Project Porchlight as a positive thing for our area.”

Victor attended Project Porchlight partner Puget Sound Energy’s Rock the Bulb campaign event in Federal Way over the September 26/27 weekend, where he exchanged his own light bulbs for energy-saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Victor was impressed by the event. “It was good to see so many people interested in reducing their energy use,” he says.

Inspired to do more, Victor volunteered for the Rock the Bulb event in his hometown of Auburn, WA on October 10. It was the busiest Rock the Bulb event to date, but Victor had no trouble taking charge. He helped keep the crowds under control, ensuring that the lines moved efficiently and that everyone was able to get their free light bulbs. He also oversaw the energy pledge booth, showing people the many ways they can help reduce their energy consumption. “I got a good look at how many people are interested in using less energy,” he says. “(And I) was able to see the many options (available) to help achieve this.”

Not only has Victor helped educate and equip Rock the Bulb participants to make smart energy choices, he’s also done everything he can to share his newfound knowledge with fellow IBEW Local 46 members. He recruited many of the members for various Rock the Bulb events and has been instrumental in spreading the word within the union about residential energy efficiency. Victor is proud of what his union has done to help protect our planet, and wants to ensure they continue to do more. “My local union has an Alternative Energy Director to deal with the different options available, like wind and solar (power),” he says. “We also have residential and commercial contractors who design and install (those systems).”

Since his work with Project Porchlight wrapped, Victor has increased his efforts to go green. He’s committed to a number of changes around the house, including: having his furnace serviced; improving the insulation in his attic; replacing his outdoor Christmas lights with energy-efficient LEDs; upgrading his window panes; and getting rid of his old, inefficient freezer.

“Project Porchlight has helped change my lifestyle by showing me what I can do to reduce energy use,” says Victor. Even to an electricity expert, Project Porchlight can make a difference. He’s proof that no matter how much you know, it never hurts to be reminded: Simple Actions Matter.

Washington state’s oldest local energy utility, Puget Sound Energy serves more than 1 million electric customers and nearly 750,000 natural gas customers in 11 counties. A subsidiary of Puget Energy, PSE meets the energy needs of its growing customer base through incremental, cost-effective energy conservation, procurement of sustainable energy resources, and far-sighted investment in the energy-delivery infrastructure. PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customer service and delivering energy that is safe, reliable, reasonably priced, and environmentally responsible. For more information, visit www.PSE.com.