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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