In this issue

Web site of the month:
Energy Star Change a Light campaign

The 2007 Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World campaign begins Oct. 3.

Note: If there is an energy- or utility-related Web site that you find especially useful, let us know. Contact the editor with your suggestion for Web site of the Month.

It is that time of year again—not back-to-school or time to get a jump on your Christmas shopping.  It's time to Change a Light, Change the World, and to get your friends, family, customers and coworkers to join in.

Energy Star's 2007 campaign kicks off on October 3, Change a Light Day. Now in its eighth year, the national call-to-action encourages individuals to help change the world, one energy-saving step at a time. The Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and Department of Housing and Urban Development are sponsoring the campaign this year.

Opportunity for utilities

Utilities have lots of good reasons to get involved in the Change a Light campaign. A few compact fluorescent lights may not make a noticeable dent in lighting loads, but the change adds up. The more than 70,000 people who took the Change a Light pledge in 2005 have the potential to save more than 23 million kWh of energy and prevent more than 33 million lbs. of greenhouse gas emissions.

From an outreach standpoint, the campaign is a great way to get customers to think about steps they can take to control their electric bills. Customers appreciate it when their power provider helps them save money. Many utilities use the Change a Light campaign as a way to get out into the community. CFLs are a great item for giveaway promotions and fundraisers. 

Ready-made campaign

The campaign Web site offers many useful resources for both individuals and groups. Anyone can make or renew a pledge to replace one conventional light with a CFL. Visitors can also learn more about the energy-efficient lights and the campaign.

Those inspired to do more can start a campaign in their office or community by registering as a pledge driver. A pledge driver makes a commitment to ask 100 people or more to take the pledge. Registered pledge drivers receive a link to their organization's pledge page and a link to an online tracking tool to follow and compare their campaign's progress. 

First-timers should visit the Pledge Driver Tool Kit to find a recommended timeline for campaign planning. Sample newsletter articles and press release templates, Web icons and talking points found on this page will help pledge drivers create effective communications.

You don't have to be a pledge driver to use the Change a Light promotional materials. Energy Star offers a suite of customizable templates for posters, table tent cards, in-store retail materials and general newsletter articles. Visitors can download fact sheets, images and fonts to create their own materials or request pre-printed items from Energy Star. 

Spreading the word

Many Change a Light pledge drives use activities to increase pledges and get people excited about the campaign. A searchable database provides ideas for student, employee and customer outreach; proclamations; Web outreach; in-store promotions and advertising campaigns. You can also register a successful idea for others to use.

Energy Star will have its own traveling event this year, the Change a Light Bus Tour, sponsored by Motor Coach Industries. The tour will begin in Los Angeles on Oct. 3 and visit 10 cities in 20 days. In each city, local sponsors will host consumer events to educate the public about Energy Star-qualified lighting, and encourage individuals to take the Change a Light Pledge.

The great thing about the Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World campaign is that it lasts all year long. Groups or individuals may participate at any point throughout the campaign year from October 2007 to October 2008.

Campaign resources are available year-round, and campaign updates are e-mailed to subscribers once or twice a month annoucing the latest additions to online material, media developments and more. Subscribe today and become a part of the community that is changing the way we use energy, one light bulb at a time.