Local School's Students Pledge To Save Energy

GREEN TREE (KDKA) -- Students at St. Margaret of Scotland School in Green Tree -- and their parents -- are going green by signing this pledge to install at home items in an energy efficiency kit sent free to participants from Duquesne Light.

"School wide, we had 100 percent participation, pre-school through 8th grade, says Amy Brooks, the site coordinator for this project. "It's very exciting."

Brooks was the site coordinator for this project which earned families free CFL light bulbs and the school $25 for every participating family.

"A little over 200 – we made over $5,000 for the school in two weeks," Brooks told KDKA Money Editor Jon Delano.

The school did offer students an incentive.

"When everyone in the school turned in their forms, we would receive Rita's Italian ice," said Jarod Latta, an 8th grader.

Duquesne Light's programs available at WattChoices.com encourage customers to switch from the incandescent light bulb to the new CFL light bulb.

"We also offer a schools program, online energy audit for the customers where they can receive a free conservation kit. We have discounted CFLs and where they kind find the stores within our service territory where they can purchase CFLs at a reduced rate," notes David Defide of Duquesne Light.

By government decree, the CFLs are replacing that familiar bulb.

When making the switch, be prepared for a little sticker shock. Four traditional 60 watt light bulbs are $3.99. The new ones -- the CFLs -- you get five for $14.99. But then again, they last five years.

And Dennis Bard at Greentree Hardware says it will save money.

"I did just recently move. We switched from the incandescent from the old house to the new house. I'm saving approximately $40 a month."

RELATED LINKS
WattChoices.com
Duquesne Light
St. Margaret of Scotland School