Phoenix, AZ  -  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have named APS an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for outstanding contributions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs* to customers. Specifically, APS won for Program Delivery of its Residential Lighting initiative.

"Partners like APS have had an outstanding year in helping consumers help themselves," said Bill Wehurm, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "In addition to leading the way in promoting products that earn the ENERGY STAR, APS also works to educate consumers about the importance of energy efficiency. These efforts are a win for consumers and for the environment."

Tom Hines, APS Residential Lighting Program manager said, "The award supports our vision for a more sustainable future. By helping our customers use smarter technology like CFLs we are able to save energy, improve the environment and shape a better future for us all. Our program is making a difference one bulb at a time." 

According to ENERGY STAR, when you use less energy at home, you lessen greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere. The EPA estimates that every CFL can prevent more than 450 pounds of emissions from a power plant over the life of the bulb. "The EPA calculation translates into reduced greenhouse gas emissions of 450,000 tons over the life of the CFLs sold in the APS program," said Hines.     

Since APS introduced the program in the fall of 2005, almost two million CFLs have been sold at reduced pricing throughout the state. Those sales also mean estimated energy savings of more than 500 million kilowatt-hours - enough energy to power over 40,000 homes for one year and save consumers about $50 million in energy costs over the life of the bulbs.

CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs, generate less heat and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.

Hines said APS more than doubled its original 2006 sales target of the bulbs from 600,000 to more than 1.2 million bulbs. 

Because of the program's impact, APS has expanded the 2007 CFL program: 

• The sales target for the bulbs has been increased to 1.5 million for 2007.   
• APS has expanded the variety of energy efficient bulbs available in the program. This year, they include the three-way, dimmable and globe bulbs, typically used in bathroom vanities.
• The Dollar Tree and the 99¢ Only stores have joined the 12 participating retailers, now making the bulbs available at 390 retail locations, up from the previous 352 stores that carried the bulbs in 2006.
• For the first time, customers can shop online for the bulbs at www.bulbme.com based in Tempe.

APS will be formally recognized for the program accomplishments at an EPA awards ceremony in Washington D.C. on March 21, 2007. 

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves more than 1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the largest subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW).

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, the program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 9,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free (888) STAR-YES ((888) 782-7937).

*The Energy Efficient Lighting program is funded by APS customers and is approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Maria Arellano
(602) 250-3155

ENERGY STAR
Maria Vargas
(202) 343-9451