Pantries, soup kitchens distributing CFLs | News

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Efficiency Maine has partnered with the Good Shepherd Food Bank to distribute more than 200,000 energy saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to low income Mainers.

"The economy is slow, people are struggling to find work, and of course heating prices are very high," stated Michael Stoddard, executive director of Efficiency Maine.  "If you put one of these CFL bulbs in a light socket that is on an average of three hours a day, you will save more than $8 a year for that bulb."

The CFL bulbs will be distributed in three packs at more than 300 soup kitchens and food pantries across the state.

"Not only does it save a family on something that they might not be able to afford every month, but it also saves them on their energy bills over time," explained Clara McConnell, communications director for the Good Shepherd Food Bank.  "The cumulative affect over the entire state of Maine, the savings that the state will see from this, it is really a big impact."

"We're expecting to give away more than 200,000 CFL bulbs to low income families," added Stoddard.  "We estimate that will save those families about $2.3 million this year, and every year, for the next six to ten years."