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Governor Lights Holiday Christmas Tree with Energy Efficient LightsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Helena) - Governor Judy Martz and the Montana Power Company announced today that the State of Montana is lighting this year’s Capitol Christmas tree with energy-saving LED (Light Emitting Diode) holiday lights. The LED holiday lights use about 99 percent less energy than larger, traditional holiday bulbs and last up to 100,000 hours when used indoors. “The use of LED lights on our Christmas Tree provides a great opportunity for us to enjoy the beauty of the holiday season and continue with our commitment to energy efficiency in our government facilities,” said Governor Judy Martz. The LED holiday lights will be strung on the tree located in the Governor’s Reception Room in Montana’s Capitol building and featured in the state’s tree lighting ceremony on December 11. The Montana Power Company has donated the LED holiday lights to the state. The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality have assisted with the effort. The Governor has requested that all state departments strive to reduce their energy usage by 10%. With LED lights this tree does more than its part. Over a 30-day period, lighting 500 traditional holiday lights will cost a Montana Power customer about $20.29 while the same number of LED lights costs only $0.20. Finally, unlike many other holiday bulbs if one bulb of the LED lights burns out the whole strand will stay lit. “Montana Power has paid for these LED lights with Universal System Benefits dollars as a demonstration of this new high efficiency technology. The LED holiday lights are another example of how energy efficiency can be easily incorporated into of our everyday life ,” said Deb Martin Young, Montana Power’s representative on the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Board. “This display allows Montanans to see a technology that enables them to use less energy without compromising the joy that lights bring to the season. That’s what energy efficiency is about-using less energy without sacrificing productivity, comfort, or in this case, beauty.” More typically, LED technology is found used in exit signs and traffic lights, producing significant energy savings in comparison to their incandescent counterparts. This new application in holiday decorations, once fully available in the marketplace, will be a great alternative for people who can celebrate the season with holiday lighting while using significantly less electricity. LED holiday strings of lights may be difficult to find at retailers in this first season. However, by next year, wider distribution is expected as is a greater selection of colors and more variety in the number of lights per string. The LED holiday lights use .04 watts per bulb, 1/10 the energy of mini bulbs and 1/100 the energy of traditional holiday bulbs. “By showing people how much LED lights save and how long they last, we hope to encourage people to look for LED lighting when they purchase holiday lights,” said Governor Martz. “We are very excited about the opportunity to start a new tradition at the Capitol of using energy-efficient lighting during the holidays.” -###- |
