Governor Sebelius Proclaims October 3rd, 2007 ENERGY STAR® Change a Light Day

October 3, 2007

Topeka, KS — In an effort to help the United States save energy, money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Governor Kathleen Sebelius is encouraging Kansans to celebrate Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 as ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day, with a pledge to change at least one light at home to an energy-efficient model.

“If all the households in Kansas changed just one incandescent light bulb to an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, Kansas could save up to 85 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year,” said Sebelius. “This is enough energy to light every household in Topeka for nearly 220 days.”

Energy efficient light bulbs also help families save money on monthly utility bills and protect the climate. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the amount of energy saved would reduce household electrical bills by a combined total of $4.5 million a year, while preventing over 85 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year. This is equivalent to removing the annual emissions of more than 7 thousand cars from Kansas' roadways.

“Lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of the average home's electric bill. ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs use at least 75% less energy than standard bulbs and last up to ten times longer,” said Al Dorsey of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, the state’s leading quasi-public entity promoting affordable housing opportunities for all Kansans.

“Switching to energy-efficient lighting is an easy step we can each take to protect energy resources and our environment, all the while saving money on energy bills today,” added Dorsey.

Homeowners are encouraged to switch to light fixtures or bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR label, which designates products that meet strict energy efficiency criteria, set by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) joins the DOE, EPA, Department of Housing and Urban Development, others within the federal government, and leaders of all levels from across the country to celebrate ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day and bring attention to the critical importance of using energy wisely at work and at home.

KHRC administers the Weatherization Assistance Program, funded through the Department of Energy and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, which provides housing improvements that increase energy efficiency in income-eligible, single or multi-family dwellings, including manufactured homes. The agency also administers the Kansas Energy Efficiency Program offering interest-free loans to qualified Kansas homeowners to make improvements to their homes to increase energy efficiency.

For more information or to take the ENERGY STAR® Change a Light Pledge, visit www.energystar.gov/changealight. Businesses and organizations can also show their commitment to energy efficiency and help to spread the word by posting a link to the Pledge on their own websites.

For more information, contact Catherine Couch at 785-296-0081