Chicago Celebrates Earth Day With Free Light Bulb Program

To celebrate Earth Day—while providing relief from recent electric rate hikes—a partnership of local governments and a consumer group in Chicago will be giving away more than 430,000 energy-saving light bulbs, representing enough electricity to illuminate the Sears Tower for a full-year.

Sponsored by the Northern Illinois Energy Project (NIEP), a nonprofit partnership of the Citizens Utility Board, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, and the City of Chicago, the program will distribute free bulbs at 40 Wal-Mart stores throughout the region, making this one of largest free lighting programs in Chicago-area history.

The money-saving Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) can save up to $30 over the lifetime of each bulb, while reducing energy consumption by 66 percent less than the standard incandescent bulb. The combined economic and environmental benefit makes the light-bulb giveaway an ideal program at a moment when the public is recognizing Earth Day, but also dealing with the impact of escalating electricity costs.

"NIEP is proud to help Northern Illinois families offset the hardship of rising energy costs while leading the way in the fight against global warming. This CFL give-away provides consumers with an easy way to save money on their monthly utility bills, while protecting the environment," said David Kolata, president of NIEP and Executive Director of Citizens Utility Board.

While the price of CFLs has decreased dramatically in recent years, the free giveaway affords consumers a chance to start changing their purchasing habits at no cost. "The real difference comes when people start changing all of their bulbs, and we view this promotion as a great way to get started," Kolata added.

The program is managed by NIEP which was formed with money obtained from a legal settlement with ComEd and aims to save money and conserve energy for utility customers.

The CFL promotion will be held on two consecutive Saturdays April 21 and April 28 during regular Wal-Mart store hours. Two CFLs will be distributed per person on a first come first serve basis at Chicago-area Wal-Mart locations.

For more information and a full listing of locations, check out the press release More Than 430,000 Free Energy-Saving Light Bulbs to be Given to Consumers Starting on Earth Day.