Light the Night

Like most of you, I thought FirstEnergy's plan to charge customers $21 for 2 energy efficient light bulbs was absurd and a ripoff. Instead of just complaining about this proposal from FirstEnergy, we've come up with a locally based alternative, which improves public safety at the same time. We're calling it "Light the Night."

Lakewood’s Neighborhood Block Club Program is kicking off the "Light the Night" campaign to encourage residents to leave their porch lights on at night as a safety mechanism. Many crimes happen at night and the block clubs are hoping that lighting the neighborhood just might help deter crime.

As part of the Light the Night campaign, the City has partnered with Lakewood Hardware, 16608 Madison Avenue, to offer residents affordable high-efficiency light bulbs. During the month of December, Lakewood Hardware will sell two 75-watt high-efficiency light bulbs for $5.00. They will also provide a recycling container in their store to recycle burned out light bulbs.

Lakewood will kick-off the Light the Night program on Saturday,
December 5, 2009 as part of it annual holiday celebration, Light Up Lakewood. Residents are encouraged to leave their porch lights as they attend Light Up Lakewood on December 5. Residents can purchase the discounted high-efficiency light bulbs at Lakewood Hardware throughout the month of December.

This project is a pefect combination of promoting safety, increasing energy efficiency, and partnering with a local business, all at the same time. I hope you consider participating.