Overview
The Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) Smart Ideas Residential ENERGY STAR Lighting Program provides residential customers with a financial incentive to purchase high-efficiency ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) at participating retail stores throughout ComEd’s service territory.  




Implementation
Electricity rates are on the rise across the country due to nationwide increases in the cost of energy sources used to generate electricity.  ComEd, through its Residential ENERGY STAR Lighting Program, is helping its customers save money by better managing their energy usage, which can reduce the impact of any electric rate increases. 

On June 11, 2008, the program kicked off with a training event at the ComEd, Oakbrook Terrace, Il campus, with 4 Field Representatives.  The Field Representatives are currently on the ground in the greater Chicago-land area, visiting stores, enrolling retailers, placing coupons and POP material, and training retail staff.  The response from retailers has been very supportive and encouraging.  APT will add more Field Representatives by the start of the second year of the program as the program continues to grow.  The program will employ 10 full time field representatives covering the ComEd territory in Illinois. Another part of the representative’s job is to educate store staff on the regional program details as well as the benefits of using ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products.

Our representatives also have the opportunity to do many in-store lighting promotions, where they are able to educate customers on how using ENERGY STAR lighting products in their homes can help them save money.  At the same time, they are also promoting the utility sponsored, markdown CFL products.  The field representatives also visit their participating retailers on a regular basis to distribute updated program materials, place point of purchase materials, and supply and replenish available ENERGY STAR CFL instant coupons and appliance rebates.


Summary of Results
Through the ComEd ENERGY STAR Residential Lighting Program, ComEd and participating retailers are providing a discount per CFL on more than 2 million CFL bulbs.  Customers can save money and reduce their overall electricity usage by switching to more energy efficient lighting – such as installing ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, which use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times as long as standard incandescent light bulbs.  The program also plans to influence and change consumer and trade attitudes about energy-efficient lighting; make buying, selling, and manufacturing ENERGY STAR qualified products the obvious choice.  We also want to raise consumer awareness and drive traffic to retail stores and promotional events.  These activites support “Grass Roots” community efforts with ComEd, retailer events, and local environmental groups to engage the community as well as assist in coordinating local efforts in conjunction with national EPA/DOE campaigns (Change a Light) where applicable and beneficial to Sponsors.

For additional energy savings tips from ComEd, please visit the ComEd Residential ENERGY STAR Lighting Program Web site at www.ComEd.com.