Between September 15 and November 30, 2009 NS Power is making it possible for Nova Scotians to save $3.00 off the price of a multi-pack of six or more of ENERGY STAR qualified CFL bulbs and $4.00 off packs of ENERGY STAR qualified specialty CFL bulbs at more than 130 participating retailers throughout the province.

“This is a great opportunity for Nova Scotians to more fully make the switch to highly efficient CFL bulbs,” said Anne-Marie Curtis, director, conservation and energy efficiency at NS Power. “Not only do CFLs use about a quarter of the energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, they also have a lifespan that is up to 8 to10 times longer. And now with the selection of specialty CFL bulbs available, consumers can use them almost everywhere; giving them an even bigger energy savings.”

Officials from NS Power and Clean Nova Scotia kicked off the first component of the program, the instant retail discount on September 15, 2009.

“Replacing even one 60-watt incandescent bulb with a 13-watt CFL in each of Canada’s 12 million households could save up to $73 million a year in energy costs,” said Judy McMullen, executive director of Clean Nova Scotia. “It would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 397,000 tonnes. That is the equivalent of taking more than 66,000 cars off the road each year.”

Participating retailers include Canadian Tire, Costco, Home Hardware, Kent, Rona, Sears, The Home Depot, Walmart Canada, Zellers, and select TIM-BR Mart locations, accounting for more than 130 stores throughout the province.

The campaign will also include a specialty CFL giveaway weekend in October 2009 at Costco, Walmart Canada, Kent, Rona, The Home Depot and select Home Hardware locations; as well as a halogen floor lamp and a holiday light exchange program over the coming months at The Home Depot, Rona, and Canadian Tire.

NS Power’s Cleaner, Greener, Brighter program also conducts free energy efficient lighting retrofits for small business owners and organizations across Nova Scotia. Trained installers replace incandescent lighting with regular CFL bulbs, specialty CFL bulbs and LED exit lights.