A Bright Alternative--From Utility to Customer

More than a million sub-CFLs have been sold through a bulk purchasing program available to utilities, public housing authorities, and other volume purchasers.

New subcompact fluorescent lamps (sub-CFLs), developed through a U.S. Department of Energy technology procurement initiative, are revising these bulbs' reputation (see "Feds Offer Cheap Compact Flourescents," HE Sept/Oct '98, p. 44). Sub-CFLs are practically the same size as typical incandescent lamps. They are also bright and noiseless, and their color is attractive. Sub-CFLs last up to ten times longer than, and use only one-fourth to one-third as much energy as, comparable incandescents.

Utilities that have taken advantage of bulk purchasing discounts for sub-CFLs are finding that these bulbs are delivering satisfaction to their customers. Rocky Smith of the Sacramento Municipal Utility Department (SMUD) realized that once consumers and retailers were shown the cost savings of sub-CFLs, promoting the utility's rebate program was no problem. "We use a variety of methods to educate people on the benefits of sub-CFLs: our Web site, bill inserts, and fliers," says Smith. "Once they understand the advantages, they seek out participating retailers on their own. And local stores gladly stock the sub-CFLs we promote. With a failure rate of less than 1% and a one-year guarantee, they can't lose."

Three vendors--JKRL USA, SunPark Electronics Corporation, and Lights of America--are currently participating in the program. All lamps are comparable in size to incandescent bulbs, with lengths ranging from 4.7 to 6.8 inches. Prices are as low as $5.75 per bulb (including shipping and handling), with a min- imum purchase requ-irement of just six to ten lamps. More than one million sub-CFLs have been sold since the program's inception, with over 35% of total sales going to utilities.

Although the program was designed to serve volume buyers, including utilities, building owners, universities, public housing authorities, hotels, and federal agencies, any individual may buy the sub-CFLs at the cut-rate prices. Additional ordering information, including a list of available suppliers, prices, and a savings calculator, can be found at www. pnl.gov/cfl.

--Kathi Ruiz

Kathi Ruiz is a program assistant at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

For more information: Ordering information, including a list of available suppliers, prices, and a savings calculator, can be found at www.pnl.gov/cfl. Bulbs can also be ordered by calling Kathy Ruiz at (503)417-7551 or by faxing her at (503)417-2175.

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