There’s a new lighting mascot in town.
CFL Charlie, a cartoon mascot for Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, the brand ID of the nation’s not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, helps families become Super Savers by switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs.
In 2013, he was joined by LED Lucy, a dazzling, spunky mascot lighting the way for even brighter bulb savings.
Lighting standards started shifting away from traditional lightbulbs in 2012. CFL Charlie and LED Lucy want to make sure Sam Houston Electric Cooperative member-owners know about all lighting options.
“I’m older than I look,” LED Lucy confides. “The first LED was created in 1927. Since then, we’ve added stylish colors, and costs dropped. I love bargains, and LED prices get lower every year!”
The mascots share a few pointers on their energy-efficiency namesakes.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
CFL Charlie—and other bulbs like him—are the most common and economical efficient lightbulbs on the market. The swirly style is linked to the concept of efficient lighting, but some consumers haven’t warmed to the design.
“Not everyone likes to see my swirls,” explains Charlie. “That’s fine by me—everyone has a different sense of style. Several of my friends are designed to look just like a traditional lightbulb.”
CFLs offer 75 percent energy savings over traditional incandescent bulbs and pay for themselves in nine months, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
LEDs have been used for years in cellphones and other electronics. Most diodes are small—about half the size of a pencil eraser.
By banding several small diodes together, a bright and dependable light emerges. As their popularity grows, some companies are making light with a single, bright LED chip. New ways to build LEDs will help drive down costs.
“It’s going to be fun to watch LED Lucy gain fans,” laughs Charlie. “She uses a little less energy than me and lasts 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.”
Because lighting adds up to 10 percent of a home’s electric bill, every bulb truly does count.
Energy is part of our daily lives. Every time you watch television or turn on a light, you are using electricity. To help children learn more, go online and visit www.kidsenergyzone.com. You’ll find games, coloring pages, activities and more. There are even resources for teachers and parents.
Source: Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, U.S. Department of Energy
