Rep. Stephens offering free light bulbs

State Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Highland) is offering residents of the 102nd District free Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) as part of the electric rate relief bill approved by the General Assembly.

Part of the deal we made with Ameren included the distribution of free light bulbs to our constituents, Rep. Stephens explained. Beginning on April 1, residents of my district can come by my office in Highland on weekdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to pick up their free light bulbs.

Ameren allocated a number of CFLs to each legislator based on how many customers were in their district. The bulbs are 13 Watt, which is the equivalent to a normal 60 Watt bulb. These bulbs are energy efficient and will help reduce energy costs over time.

These bulbs last 10 times longer than normal light bulbs and use about 75 percent less energy, Stephens said. Also, they produce about 75 percent less heat, so they will make a slight difference in terms of the cost to cool your homes.

It is important to note that these bulbs do contain a slight amount of mercury and must be disposed of properly, ideally recycled.

While we are all still dealing with rising electric bills, small steps, such as these light bulbs, are ways we can try and keep our personal costs at a reasonable level, Stephens said.

The bulbs can be picked up on weekdays between the hours of 10a.m. and 2 p.m. beginning on Tuesday, April 1. There is a limit of four free light bulbs per household.