Incandescent bulbs soon to become a thing of the past

Stamford, CT - March 2, 2011 - For more than 100 years incandescent bulbs have brought light to the darkness, illuminating homes and offices across the country.

Soon however manufacturing companies will begin phasing out the incandescent light bulbs in favor of more energy efficient lighting, the result of a 2007 law signed by President George W. Bush in order to reduce energy emissions and greenhouse gases.

The law requires manufacturers to discontinue the production of traditional 100-watt bulbs and will require consumers to choose between more efficient bulbs, such as halogen incandescents, compact fluorescents, and light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, which use a maximum of 72-watts. By 2012, the other incandescent bulbs, including the 40, 60, and 70-watt bulbs will also be discontinued.

The process, which has already begun in California, promises huge energy savings.

"These standards will help cut our nation's electric bill by over $10 billion a year and will save the equivalent electricity of 30 large power plants," says Noah Horowitz, a senior scientist with the National Resources Defense Council. "That translates into a whole lot less global warming pollution being emitted."

A dramatic reduction one electrical supplier is happy to see.

"The transition to more energy efficient lighting is just one example of how a universal small change - something as simple as changing a light bulb - can produce a dramatic and substantial impact on our energy consumption as a nation," says Jeffrey Mayer, MXenergy President and CEO. "Some people may be surprised that as an energy provider we would support a move that will translate into people using less of our product. However, the issue of sustainability and energy efficiency has always been at the core of who we are as a company."

MXenergy, one of the nation's fastest growing independent energy providers, entered the market in 1999 with a clear commitment to sustainability and the environment. Recently achieving its third year of carbon neutrality, the company is continually looking for new ways to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption and educate the public; including the creation of MXenergy TV, an On Demand cable channel dedicated to "green" issues, education and development. MXTV can be found on Cablevision iO Channel 654 in the Northeast United States.

The 2007 law goes into effect in 2012, with the second phase beginning in 2014. Consumers will still be able to purchase smaller lights such as aquarium bulbs and yellow bug lights. A recent USA Today/Gallup poll shows the majority of Americans support the new law.

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About MXenergy

MXenergy is one of the fastest growing retail natural gas and electricity suppliers in North America, serving approximately 500,000 customers in 41 utility territories in the United States and Canada. For over 11 years, the company has provided millions of customers with a choice in how they purchase energy to run their homes and businesses. Founded in 1999 to provide natural gas and electricity to consumers in deregulated energy markets, MXenergy helps residential customers and small business owners control their energy bills by providing both fixed and variable rate plans. MXenergy is committed to best practices in environmental conservation, supporting local communities through various outreach programs and is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange. For more information MXenergy please visit www.mxenergy.com.