Energy rates are going to rise over the next 5-10 years and consumers who resist switching to new, energy efficient lighting will see their lighting bills rise 15-20 percent over the next decade. So warns Rodney Heller, Lead Lighting Designer at Energy Performance Lighting (EPL) in Madison. Heller, a nationally recognized leader in the field of energy efficient lighting, explains that the reason energy rates will soon be on the rise comes down to common sense and simple economics.

“Electric utility companies need to maintain a certain profit margin in order to stay in business,” said Heller. “Right now, 20-30 percent of the energy that is taken off the power grid goes to powering light bulbs. As more and more people cut their energy consumption by using new, more efficient lighting, the utilities’ profit margin will be reduced substantially.

As a result, they will need to raise their rates. In turn, businesses and consumers that stick with the older, less efficient light bulbs will see their electric bills rise 15-20 percent over the normal rate of inflation in the next decade.”

Heller is the executive producer of a recently released video special entitled Electric Light: Dawn of a New Era . The program features interviews with several of the nation’s most eminent lighting experts and explores dynamic electric lighting changes that are already well underway. Consumers will have a wide range of lighting options to choose from, including compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), Halogens, LEDs (light emitting diodes) and OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes).

“There will be more change in lighting over the next few years than there has been in the previous 100 years,” said Heller. “I highly recommend that consumers take a little time to educate themselves about how the newer forms of lighting not only will save them money but will make their lives better. Consult an expert to help you understand about the color of the light and where and how to place the light to create the ideal atmosphere, whether it’s to relax at home or to become more productive at work.”

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It’s change that’s coming literally at the speed of light. In fact, there will be more change in the world of electric lighting in the next few years than there was in the past 100. Halogens, CFLs, LEDs.

This change has spawned public uncertainty and it affects everyone. Though Congress recently de-funded the January 1st ban on the 100-watt incandescent bulb, the federal law is still on the books. Retailers who sell the bulb will technically be violating the law. As the remaining incandescent bulbs are phased out in the very near future, some people are already hoarding them.

“Lighting technology is changing dramatically and it’s much more than just grabbing a light bulb from the hardware store shelf,” said Rodney Heller, Lead Lighting Designer at Energy Performance Lighting (EPL). Heller is a nationally recognized leader in the field of energy-efficient lighting and is based in the Madison area.

He has also produced a new, 30-minute television special entitled, ‘Electric Light: Dawn of a New Era.’ The program will premiere on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10 on Friday January 6, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. (CST). It will also air on Channel 36 on Saturday January 7th at 12:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (CST).

Heller recommends four steps that will help businesses and consumers adjust to the future of electric lighting:

1. Don’t be afraid of change
2. Realize that there are many more choices than just the compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb. For example, halogen bulbs provide instant brightness and last 6 times longer than incandescents.
3. Select cool/blue colors for alertness and warm/yellow colors to relax
4. Don’t fret the higher cost of LEDs. The energy savings will quickly offset that cost and the price of LEDs will drop by the end of 2012.

“We’ve got many different bulb choices for selecting energy efficiency, wattage and light color,” said Heller. “We are only now beginning to understand how the color of light affects us physically and psychologically. Not only will you be able to save up to 75% on your lighting bill, you’ll be able to install lights and never have to replace them in your lifetime!”

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