'Operation Change-Out' Promotes Energy Efficiency For Returning Military Veterans And Their Families

September 29, 2008

To mark Energy Awareness Month, the Phoenix Veteran Affairs Health Care System (PVAHCS), Arizona Public Service Company and the Environmental Protection Agency/Department of Energy will kick off ‘Operation Change-Out’ October 1 from4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Phoenix Zoo.

This year, APS and EPA/DOE are joining the PVAHCS VA Welcome Home Event, held annually to welcome home veterans who have returned from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

In addition to free Zoo admission and free pizza, drinks, prizes and entertainment, a live animal show and the APS Clown Troop, veterans and their families will also be treated to a rather unusual gift: a starter kit of eight compact fluorescent lights. They are 75 percent more efficient than standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Compared to standard bulbs, each kit will save a family about $250 in energy costs over the life of the CFLs.

“Today, people from all walks of life are beginning to realize the importance of reducing energy consumption at home,” said Ed Fox, APS Chief Sustainability Officer. APS is proud to welcome home and thank our veterans for their service. We appreciate the chance to help promote an energy-efficient lifestyle that will have paybacks for years to come.”

Donald Moore, Health Care System Director said, “In just the past year, more than 4,000 veterans have returned to the Phoenix area from overseas combat duties. As military families adjust to life back home, they are looking for ways to save. This event co-hosted by APS is a great way to welcome them home, thank them for their service and help them save.” 

Event organizers expect upwards of 300 or veterans and their families to attend the event. If all are used, the 300 CFL kits will save the veterans and their families $84,000 in energy costs.    

At Operation Change-Out, APS representatives will also provide information about energy efficiency, APS rebate programs and special programs for limited-income customers. The VA Welcome Home area with numerous community service agencies, will also give out information on services available to veterans.     

In a larger military tie-in, the Yuma Marine Corp Station is taking advantage of APS energy efficiency incentives to purchase 3,350 CFLs that will be installed at the base, saving an estimated $117,000 in energy costs. Together with the CFLs being donated to military families, these two efforts will save a total of more than $200,000, while reducing greenhouse gases by an estimated 2.5 million pounds.

Since 2005, the APS ENERGY STAR Residential Lighting Program has helped APS customers:

• Buy more than six million discounted CFLs at more than 300 retail locations within the APS service territory; 
• Save customers more than $200 million in energy costs;
• Reduce greenhouse gases by 2.7 billion pounds;
• Save enough energy to power over 125,000 average Arizona homes for a year.

APS also partners with local retailers to offer dozens of locations for free CFL recycling. For more information and a list of participating retailers, go to aps.com .

The APS Residential Lighting Program is funded by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry's most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

The Phoenix VA Health Care System is the largest VA in the state of Arizona providing high quality health care to 70,000 veterans who reside in Maricopa County. PVAHCS is accredited by the Joint Commission and numerous other health care organizations.  They have been in operation here in Phoenix since 1951. 

Maria Arellano, APS
(602) 250-3155

Paul L. Pedene, VA
(602) 222-2667