|
State parks even 'greener' with co-op gift
September, 2008
 With the simple twist of a wrist — 4,300 times — South Carolina's state parks recently became much "greener."
That's how many compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have been donated to the South Carolina State Park Service by York Electric Cooperative and other co-ops across the state. The donation is part of the co-ops' "Do the Light Switch" program, which also calls for each household served by South Carolina electric co-ops to receive two CFLs.
The CFLs were distributed to all 47 of the parks operated by the Park Service, including Kings Mountain State Park which is located in York Electric's service area.
|
|
| York Electric's Cameron Moore was on hand July 10 to help install some of the compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) at Kings Mountain State Park that were donated by the electric cooperatives of South Carolina. |
The monetary value of the donation to the parks is more than $7,000, but the value extends well beyond that, the State Park Service said. The CFL bulbs use about a fourth of the energy used by standard incandescent bulbs, saving about $30 over the lifetime of each 60-watt-equivalent bulb. That will translate to about $260,000 in savings over the lifetime of the 4,300 bulbs that were donated to the parks by the electric cooperatives.
One CFL over its lifetime will prevent more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, or the equivalent of burning nearly 200 pounds of coal. The CFLs are being provided by Central Electric Power Cooperative, which supplies and transmits power to the state's 20 independent, member-owned electric cooperatives.
"Switching to CFLs is the number one measure we can take to reduce power use and save our consumers money without asking them to change their lifestyles," said Ron Calcaterra, CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative. "Since many of our state parks are served by electric cooperatives, we'll actually be able to reduce demand on our electric system, which will benefit all of our consumers."
Chad Prosser, director of the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, said, "As the custodians of our state's most significant natural resources, it is important that we lead by example. This generous donation from South Carolina's electric cooperatives helps us to demonstrate sustainable environmental practices in one more way."
The co-ops are on track to place 1.2 million CFLs in members' homes this year. Access DoTheLightSwitch.com for more information.
Related Link:
DoTheLightSwitch.com
Some can't wait to 'Do the Light Switch'
CFLs available for 3-way switches, recessed fixtures
|
