CORPUS CHRISTI  – Saving $30, and protecting the environment, is as easy as changing a light bulb. If every American household changed a single light bulb to an Energy Star bulb, it would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes, while also saving consumers money.

AEP Texas is helping to spread the word about "Change A Light, Change The World," an annual campaign by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) that encourages Americans to replace a conventional bulb or fixture in their home or workplace with one that has earned the government´s Energy Star label for energy efficiency. This year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is joining the campaign to extend its reach.

Energy Star qualified bulbs and fixtures use one-third the energy of traditional models and last up to 10 times longer. In fact, consumers can save more than $30 in utility costs over the lifetime of one bulb. Replacing the most frequently used lights at home will yield the most savings.

“Consumers have a variety of types and styles of Energy Star compact fluorescent light bulbs to choose from, for both indoor and outdoor applications,” said Billy Berny, energy efficiency program manager for AEP Texas. “Prices have really come down in the last few years because of wider use. We encourage people to consider changing out bulbs for the newer compact fluorescents. Energy cost is minimal compared to incandescent bulbs,” Berny said.

"Saving energy and saving money just makes sense. By encouraging smart energy decisions, we are getting these lights off the store shelves and into people´s homes," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

"Simply replacing a normal light bulb with an Energy Star bulb not only protects the environment and saves energy, but it also will help families save on their utility bills," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. "HUD is especially concerned with the impact of utility costs on affordable housing. Low and moderate-income families spend a disproportionately large share of their incomes on utilities and are particularly vulnerable to spikes in energy costs."

Individuals who pledged to participate during last year´s "Change a Light, Change the World" Campaign will prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to nearly 3,000 vehicles and save $2 million in energy costs.

Products that have earned the Energy Star label save energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by EPA and DOE. The Energy Star program works with more than 8,000 private and public sector organizations. Many of these organizations will help celebrate the "Change A Light, Change The World" campaign with activities, events, government proclamations and store promotions showcasing energy-efficient lighting.

General information about the Energy Star Change A Light campaign: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=change_light.changealight_about

Take the pledge to participate in the program by replacing at least one bulb: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=cal.showPledge

Radio Public service announcements (PSAs)
In English:  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cal.psa_english
en español:  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cal.psa_spanish

For other information on connecting to energy savings and customer choice, visit http://www.AEPTexas.com

AEP Texas, a unit of American Electric Power, delivers electricity to 900,000 homes, businesses and industries in south and west Texas. AEP Texas provides regulated energy delivery service to consumers, regardless of which Retail Electric Provider they choose. The region headquarters is in Corpus Christi.