Many Iowans have lined their homes’ exteriors with strings of twinkling holiday lights, but they may not be prepared for the electric bill that’ll come in a few weeks. Energy solutions specialist Garry Ruliffson, in Omaha/Council Bluffs, says the price jump you’ll see on your utility bill will depend on what type of lights you’re using.
“A string of ten standard incandescent bulbs is about $35 a month,” Ruliffson says. “If they step up and say, ‘Hey, we’re going to put a few more up,’ and you’ve got 50 strings of lights, it’s going to run up to $175 a month and if they go all out and get 100 strings, it’s going to be closer to $350 a month.”
Advancements in technology over the years have brought us light emitting diodes, or L-E-Ds, which put out just as much light but use much less power compared to incandescents. “If you had the 50 strings up with LED, it’s about $40 a month, save $135,” Ruliffson says. “If you get those 100-string LEDs, it’s only going to be about $80 a month, around $270 difference.”
Another plus for L-E-Ds, due to the way they’re built, they’re more durable, resist breaking and burn much longer.
(Radio Iowa)