November 22, 2010

Energy-Efficient Holiday Lighting Costs Pennies to Run

Saves Dollars and Energy to Make the Season Bright

November 22, 2010 — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) encourages New York State residents to try energy-efficient decorative lighting this holiday season to cut electricity costs and save energy.

From decorative lighting strings to individual “candle” lights to fiber optic technology, energy-efficient holiday lighting provides a wide range of choices for lighting indoor or outdoor trees, yards, and individual candlesticks and menorahs.

For the tree, ENERGY STAR^®Light Emitting Diode (LED) decorative lighting strings save energy, cut electricity costs, last longer than standard holiday lighting strings and reduce the risk of fire.

The typical eight-foot Christmas tree decorated with 300 traditional incandescent bulbs costs approximately $33.80 to light for the season and uses 216 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity. In contrast, an identical tree that uses LED lights would cost only about 89 cents to light and use approximately 6 kWh, while a tree decked out in rope lights, which are miniature incandescent lights enclosed in flexible plastic tubing, would cost $4.81 and use 31 kWh.

Candelabra Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) are available in a variety of styles and wattages for candlesticks and menorahs. They last up to10 times longer and use about 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescents while producing the same amount of light.

Fiber optic lighting technology is often used to light areas such as paths, decks, patios and vaulted ceilings. They are cool to the touch and offer another energy-efficient alternative.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

Contact

Dayle Zatlin
(518) 862-1090, ext. 3359
dez@nyserda.ny.gov