Project Description:

Energy-efficient lightbulbs are available at no cost to Los Alamos residences and businesses through the Los Alamos Dept. of Public Utilities WattSwap Campaign.  Administered by the Pajarito Environmental Education Center, the kickoff began on 7/19 at PEEC’s booth at the “Next Big Idea” festival. Local residents swapped more than 1,000 lightbulbs for Energy Star-rated compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs.  Utilities Water and Energy Conservation Officer Matt Dickens explains, Folks are able to swap

Three 100 Watt incandescent bulbs for three 23 Watt CFLs;
Two 75 Watt incandescents for two 20 Watt CFLs; 
One 60 Watt for a 13 Watt CFL.

Project Background:

The Department of Public Utilities provides tools and techniques to enhance conservation of resources through the Energy and Water Conservation Program. In  July 2008 the Utilities Board adopted a motion "to provide for sustainable energy and water resources anticipating changing supply options and community usage" which includes a directive to promote conservation.

Project Schedule & Budget:

Kickoff occured on July 19th. PEEC held another WattSwap on Saturday, August 9th at its “Backyard Wildlife Habitat Tour,” and has another WattSwap planned for White Rock with the date to be determined.  For more information on the DPU's WattSwap, administered by PEEC, send an email to WattSwap@yahoo.com, call PEEC at 662-0460, or visit www.pajaritoeec.org/outreach/watt_swap.php.

Ongoing lightbulb exchanges are accepted during business hours at PEEC, 3540 Orange St., 662-0460 and at the 311Customer Care Center at 901 Trinity, 2nd Floor. Project Budget:  $12,500.