Local Electric Cooperative Combines with State Politicians to Promote Energy Efficiency

Take the Energy Star "Change a Light, Change the World" Pledge.

Paxton, Ill. (10/6/2006) – Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative took part in a joint news conference with Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and State Representative Naomi Jakobsson, on October 4, to promote energy efficiency through participation in Energy Star’s, “Change a light, change the world” initiative.

Take the Energy Star "Change a Light, Change the World" Pledge.

Lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill. But ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs) use at least two-thirds less energy than standard bulbs and last up to ten times longer. If every household in Illinois pledges to change just one bulb, Illinois citizens would save a combined total of more than $20 million in energy costs a year and prevent more than 379 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, which would be like planting over 129,000 trees.

In 2007/08, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative has committed to encouraging 250 members to change out at least one bulb.

Take the Energy Star "Change a Light, Change the World" Pledge.

Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn noted, “Being energy efficient is about more than savings on your utility bills. It’s also about being energy independent as a country. Anything we can do to save money and help our state and country is a definite win-win situation.”

About Eastern Illini

Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative is a member-owned rural electric cooperative based in Paxton, Ill. that supplies electricity to approximately 11,000 members. Eastern Illini offers water quality solutions and telecommunication solutions, along with a full range of energy solutions. Eastern Illini is a member of Touchstone Energy — an alliance of over 640 electric cooperatives serving over 22 million customers around the country.

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