Frequently Asked Questions about BGE’s Lighting Discount & Appliance Rebate and Recycling Program
1. Which retailers are participating in BGE’s Lighting Discount Program?
2. Which retailers are involved in BGE’s Appliance Rebate Program?
3. Why is BGE involved with ENERGY STAR®?
4. What does ENERGY STAR® certified mean?
5. I hear CFLs will be required by 2012. Is that true?
6. What other programs does BGE offer to help me save energy?
7. Why is BGE offering energy efficiency and conservation programs?
8. Is my appliance eligible for the Recycling Program?
1. Which retailers are participating in BGE’s Lighting Discount Program?
Currently, discounts are offered in many store locations across central Maryland. To locate a store near you, see our list of participating retailers. BGE continues to work to bring on more retailers, increasing the convenience of purchasing compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and LEDs at special discounts. Not all product discounts are available at every participating retailer. See CFL, LED, and Light Fixture section for details.
2. Which retailers are involved in BGE’s Appliance Rebate Program?
BGE residential electric customers can purchase an ENERGY STAR® certified appliance at any Maryland retailer, or have paid the applicable Maryland sales and use tax.They must then complete a rebate application form to receive their rebate. Click here for details.
3. Why is BGE involved with ENERGY STAR®?
BGE has always sought ways to help our customers save energy and money while helping protect the environment. Educating everyone about the benefits of ENERGY STAR helps us achieve that goal. ENERGY STAR provides complimentary resources, which BGE is using to enhance its programs.
4. What does ENERGY STAR® certified mean?
ENERGY STAR is a nationally recognized, joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. It helps us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. Next time you’re looking for new household products, look for the ENERGY STAR. This symbol means the product or service meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. You can identify them by the blue ENERGY STAR label.
For more information on ENERGY STAR, please visit: www.energystar.gov/faqs.
5. I hear CFLs will be required by 2012. Is that true?
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (the “Energy Bill”), signed by the President on December 18, 2007, requires that all light bulbs use 30% less energy than today’s incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The phase-out will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, a Tier 2 would become effective, which requires all bulbs to be at least 70% more efficient (effectively equal to today’s CFLs).
It’s not entirely correct to say "CFLs will be required" or “incandescent bulbs will be phased out” because the standards set by the bill are technology neutral, and by 2012, a next generation of incandescent bulbs could satisfy the 30% increased efficiency. There are also other lighting technologies, such as halogen and LEDs that will be able to meet the new requirements and are expected to both increase in performance and drop in cost over the next few years.
Lighting is approximately 20% of the average household’s energy bill. Natural Resources Defense Council estimates this law could cut our nation’s electric bill by more than $10 billion a year.
There are many types of incandescent bulbs that are exempt from this law:
- any kind of specialty light (i.e. bulb in refrigerator)
- reflector bulbs
- 3-way bulbs
- candelabras
- globes
- shatter resistant
- vibration service
- rough service
- colored bulbs (i.e. "party bulbs")
- bug lights
- plant lights
The law applies to the sale of bulbs, not the use of existing stock of bulbs.
6. What other programs does BGE offer to help me save energy?
Visit the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program® home page often to learn about new ways BGE can help you to save energy, save money and protect the environment.
7. Why is BGE offering energy efficiency and conservation programs?
As global energy prices have become more volatile, we want to provide our customers with options to help them control their energy costs, save money and protect the environment. What’s more, BGE is responding to the EmPOWER Maryland Act of 2008, which aims to reduce Maryland’s per capita energy consumption 15% by 2015.
8. Is my appliance eligible for the Recycling Program?
To be eligible you must meet the following:
- You must be a BGE residential electric customer with a valid account number.
- You must own the refrigerator, freezer, and/or room air conditioner. The refrigerator and/or freezer must be 10 to 27 cubic feet.
- The $25 reward for recycling a room air conditioner is available only to customers recycling a refrigerator or freezer at the same time.
- Your appliance must be in working (cooling) condition. The appliance (refrigerator, freezer, or room AC unit) must serve its normal cooling function at the time of pick up.
- Your appliance will be picked up, at no charge, from the address listed on your billing account.
- The $50 and/or $25 rewards will be mailed to you within four weeks after pickup of your old appliance.
- Limit of two (2) large appliances (refrigerator and/or freezer) and two (2) room air conditioners per BGE residential household per year.
