PRESS RELEASE: OhIPL Partners with AEP Ohio to Distribute Thousands of CFLs

Press Release

Israel A. Frenkel

For Immediate Release

917-755-3700

Thousands of Low Energy Light-Bulbs to Be Distributed to Those in Need for the Holidays

During this holiday season, Ohio Interfaith Power and Light (OhIPL), a non-profit that assists Ohio’s faith communities to conserve energy, will reduce Ohioan’s carbon footprint while helping those in need. As part of the effort for Ohio to become more energy efficient, OhIPL in conjunction with American Electric Power (AEP) Ohio, will be distributing 35,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to senior residences and low-income households within AEP Ohio’s territory.

“We’re excited that AEP Ohio is partnering with faith communities to extend the benefits of energy efficiency to their low income and senior customers” said Greg Hitzhusen, Executive Director of OhIPL. Ohio Senate Bill 221 requires Ohio investor-owned utilities to find ways to reduce their energy consumption by 22% by the year 2025.  In response, AEP Ohio, as part of their Grid Smart Program, is donating the 35,000 CFLs to Ohioans who can most benefit from the savings. 

“Many of our denominations in Ohio have championed efforts to improve our stewardship of natural resources, particularly in response to climate change.” said Dr. Hitzhusen. OhIPL’s affiliated members will be setting up distribution centers across Central Ohio at churches, synagogues, food pantries and other community institutions. Volunteers of Caring Connection in Marietta will be going from door to door dispensing 4,500 CFLs to those of need at several of Washington County’s subsidized housing complexes and senior residences. Congregation Beth Jacob in Columbus will be distributing 4,000 light-bulbs as part of the celebration of Hanukah, the Festival of Lights. “In commemoration of the Hanukah miracle where the lamp oil lasted for eight days instead of one, we will be giving out long lasting CFL light bulbs” said Rabbi Naphtali Weisz.

CFLs use 75% less energy and have an average lifetime of seven years, ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. Each bulb will save its user $50 off their electricity bill. In total, low income households and senior residences will save $250,000 over the course of one year and more than $1.7 million during the CFL’s lifetime.

Replacing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs also has an environmental impact.  The use of 35,000 CFLs may reduce carbon emissions by about three million pounds per year.  This is equivalent to Central Ohioans driving three million fewer miles over the course of the year.  Multiply that number by seven years, the average lifetime of a CFL bulb, and the AEP-OhIPL partnership can make a real impact on the environment.

To find out about Ohio Interfaith Power and Light and the time and places of distribution, please see http://www.ohipl.org/AEPbulbs, and remember to bring your AEP electricity bill with you.