Buyer’s Information Guide: Home Lighting

Bright Ideas for Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting your home, office, or business costs you hard earned money each month. But it could cost you less. Since Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) wants its customers to make smart choices about managing energy costs, here is a short buyer's information guide to energy-efficient lighting. This information can help you choose the right lighting solution, while also helping you save energy and money on your electric bills.

You Can Save Money Today: Look for the PG&E Rebate Sticker

Start saving money right away by looking for lighting products with this sticker on the box. The rebate amount is included in the price, so you automatically save at the time of purchase. In 2008, our program will support these types of lighting products:

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (including spiral as well as selected covered reflector lamps and dimmables)
Fluorescent Interior Hardwired Fixtures
Fluorescent Exterior Hardwired Fixtures (such as selected covered reflector lamps)
Fluorescent Torchieres
LED Nightlights
LED Holiday Light Strings (PDF, 108 KB)

Some retailers may display signage in place of the stickers to indicate their participation in this program. In either case, no paperwork or applications are needed. Simply purchase and install the qualifying product. Find a local retailer participating in our program.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs): The same amount of light with a twist

When you're purchasing new light bulbs, consider ENERGY STAR_® qualified CFLs. These bulbs use about 75% less energy, last up to 10 times longer and produce just as much light as standard incandescent light bulbs. They also help save you money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To choose the best energy-efficient bulb for your lamps or fixtures, look for a CFL with similar or higher lumen output as your current incandescent bulbs.

Remember to Recycle: It's the Law

CFLs contain very small amounts of mercury and should be disposed of properly. Like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other hazardous items, CFLs don’t belong in your household garbage. In fact, it is against California law as of February 2006. To find your local recycling center, go to www.earth911.org, call 1-877-EARTH911, or call your local garbage collection company. You can also visit the California Take-It-Back Partnership to learn more about fluorescent lamp recycling and drop-off locations near you.

Lighting Fixtures: Energy Savings with Style

Whether you're looking to remodel, update, or build a new building, look for ENERGY STAR qualified lighting fixtures. These stylish modern fixtures can use up to 75% less energy than standard lighting, while helping save you money on your energy bill. Here are some more facts about these products:

They can illuminate your space more efficiently than standard fixtures
They come in a variety of decorative styles for indoor and outdoor applications
You can find these items at most home centers, lighting showrooms and specialty stores

Stylish designs, saves energy, saves money and helps save the environment. Simple.