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Light Bulb Ban Signals Dynamic Changes in Electric Lighting

Wisconsin's Rodney Heller Charts Top 4 Steps to Help Businesses, Consumers Adjust

MADISON, Wis., Jan. 2, 2012 -- 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).

To watch the video, click here: http://vimeo.com/31403811.

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 percent on your lighting bill, you'll be able to install lights and never have to replace them in your lifetime!" Editor's note: Rodney Heller, Certified Lighting Efficient Professional (CLEP), is available for interviews. Please contact Tom Andrews as noted below to make arrangements. About Energy Performance Lighting Founded in 2003, Energy Performance Lighting (EPL) works with businesses to ensure they have the correct lighting and are using energy-efficient fixtures and bulbs. EPL is driving the evolution of best practices in the lighting industry, and its groundbreaking research includes collaboration with scientists to explore the physiological and psychological effects of lighting in the workplace. For more information, call 608.661.5555 or visit http://www.energyperformancelighting.com.