Energy-Efficient Compact Fluorescent Lighting

The average household spends 11 percent of its energy budget on lighting. Switching to ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) is one of the fastest ways to reduce your energy costs. ENERGY STAR qualified lighting can use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than conventional incandescent lighting.

As an Ameren Illinois customer, you can purchase a wide variety of these energy-saving CFLs at a discount—online, by phone or at participating home stores.

Online Orders (for electric customers only)

Click here for a catalog and convenient online ordering. Or, call ActOnEnergy toll-free at 1-866-845-7085, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to speak with a customer service representative or to request an order form.

In-Store Shopping

Click here to find retail stores in the Ameren Illinois service area that offer discounted ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs. We suggest you print this information and take it to the store with you as a helpful reference.

To begin, follow these easy steps and visit these helpful websites:

STEP ONE:

Take inventory of the light fixtures in your home that are used the most, such as:

Kitchen ceiling light
Living or family room table and floor lamps
Outdoor porch or post lamps

Begin using CFLs in these fixtures to save the most energy and money.
Click here to learn how to match the right types of CFLs with the right fixtures.

STEP TWO:

Purchase CFLs at deep discounts using these convenient methods:

Shop at our online store
Visit a participating retailer
Order by phone by calling 1.866.845.7085 toll free, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to speak with a customer service representative or to request an order form.

VALUABLE RESOURCES:

ENERGY STAR CFL Information – Learn more about how CFLs can save you money and impact the environment.
ENERGY STAR Choose a Light Guide – Find CFLs that best meet your needs.

What's Happening with Light Bulbs?

Beginning January 1, 2012, manufacturers must adhere to new efficiency standards

(The following information was excerpted from LumenNow.org, a consortium dedicated to facilitating consumer educated energy-efficient lighting decisions.)
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, signed by President George W. Bush on December 18, 2007, is a technology-neutral performance standard that requires bulbs to meet a basic level of energy efficiency. There will still be certain types of incandescents on the market.

Additionally, traditional incandescent bulbs will still be available for certain specialty applications, including heat lamps, appliance lights, aquarium bulbs, candelabra, decorative tinted and colored lights. and it is not forcing people to buy CFLs but rather requiring that regular light bulbs use less energy. Consumers will have a range of better bulb choices in a variety of colors, bulb types, and light levels. The standard is not a ban and does not select one technology over another.

Benchmarks have been set to create realistic and smooth changes:

Beginning on January 1, 2012, light bulbs as bright as a 100 watt traditional incandescent bulb can use no more than 72 watts of electricity,

Starting January 1, 2014, the standard will apply to 60 watt bulbs, which will not be able to use more than 43 watts and 40 watt bulbs will not be able to use more than 29 watts, and

Additional savings begin in 2020.

The light bulb standard has spurred innovation in lighting and given consumers more choices. There are now new options like halogen. Manufacturers across the country are producing light bulbs that meet the standard’s requirements.

Get more information on CFLs, halogen incandescent bulbs and LEDs at LumenNow.org. Need some guidance on shopping for the right type of lighting for different areas of your home? Use the ENERGY STAR Choose a Light Guide.

For important recycling information, or to learn more about CFLs, download the CFL Facts PDF.