Big Tex’s energy savings will come from replacing the previous two, 1,000-watt metal halide spotlights with 12 new LED fixtures designed to illuminate Big Tex like never before.

LED lighting gives off a clear, white, direct light from multiple small light sources. Replacing traditional lights with LEDs can result in a reduction in maintenance costs and green house gas emissions.

“Oncor is excited about illuminating the 52-foot-tall cowboy with these energy efficient LED lights,” said Mike Stockard, director of Oncor Energy Efficiency Programs. “Energy efficiency is very important to Oncor. Now all fair-goers will be able to see the latest technology in-use and how it will help reduce energy demand at the fair.”

Oncor Electric’s energy efficiency programs encourage residential, commercial and industrial consumers to take the necessary steps to be more energy efficient. By helping to “take a load off” energy use statewide, consumers can lower their energy costs, reduce demand on the power grid and help make a brighter energy future for the state of Texas.

Oncor Electric’s Take A Load Off, Texas Education Center will be at the State Fair of Texas in the Centennial Building beginning September 25 through October 18, 2009. The exhibits featured include:

• Solar: Consumers will learn about the latest technology on solar water heaters and solar photovoltaic systems.

• Insulation: Consumers will learn how proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling needs up to 30%.

• Ductwork: Consumers will learn the top three signs that ducts are not performing correctly.

• Children’s area: Coloring books and crayons to help children learn about energy efficiency.

• Lighting: Consumers will learn that upgrading to energy-efficient lighting is one of the easiest ways to save energy in a home.

Oncor Electric’s Take A Load Off, Texas education campaign began in 2007 to encourage residential, commercial and industrial customers to think about energy efficiency and the measures they can take to conserve energy. The education campaign features the Take A Load Off, Texas Education Center equipped with interactive demonstrations showing the benefits of becoming energy efficient and how it “takes a load off” energy use statewide. Oncor Electric believes that energy conservation is important because it will help reduce the state’s energy usage, lessening the need for new power plants.

Lighting Science Group is a US-based LED manufacturer.