Press Releases

Vermonters successfully deliver on energy-efficiency campaign

More than 30,000 Vermont homes are now running more efficiently, thanks to Project Porchlight and the efforts of community volunteers. Project Porchlight’s energy-efficiency campaign has come to a successful conclusion, after more than 530 Vermonters signed up to help deliver compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs in their neighborhoods.

With support from Efficiency Vermont and the Burlington Electric Department, Project Porchlight Vermont marked the successful completion of its first American campaign, which ended with a lively volunteer recognition BBQ in Oakledge Park. But the benefits from the campaign will continue for years to come.

Project Porchlight executive director, Stuart Hickox, says the simple act of people replacing just one old incandescent light bulb with an energy-efficient CFL bulb will have a long-term impact. “Vermonters understand that this is about more than just one light bulb, it’s about taking action,” said Hickox.

“With the 30,000 CFL bulbs installed, Vermonters will save about $236,000 a year in electricity costs, or more than $1.4 million over the life of the bulbs. But, more importantly, by handing out bulbs door to door we were able to convey the message that simple actions matter to more Vermonters.”

Residents from Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction and Winooski who have made the switch will help stop almost 50 tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.

Senator Bernie Sanders, who supported the Project Porchlight campaign and attended the launch event, said: “There are a lot of people who don’t know that there are a variety of CFL bulbs out there or that they can save money and help cut greenhouse gas emissions. I would like to see this state continue to be a leader on energy efficiency.”

According to Jim Grevatt, Director of Residential Energy Services at Efficiency Vermont, “Vermonters are willing to make smart energy choices and that showed during this campaign. However, the room for energy efficiency improvement doesn't stop now and we encourage everyone to continue to pursue additional energy saving measures."

“While Burlington Electric Department has been in the efficiency business for some time, Project Porchlight was a new and different way of getting the word out,” said BED Director of Energy Services, Chris Burns. “We got great feedback from the volunteers and were very pleased with how everything went.”

“We are so pleased that the success and enthusiasm generated by our Vermont campaign is making it possible for more people in Vermont to take action on climate change,” concluded Hickox. “Vermont was the best possible place to test our campaign in the US. We’re very grateful to Vermonters for being such pioneers in community engagement on energy efficiency!”

As a result of the success of the Vermont campaign, Project Porchlight will soon start its message of simple actions matter in New Jersey with 210,000 free bulbs. This follows more than 1 million bulbs distributed in campaigns across Canada over the past 18 months.

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