Mass Save(R) Goes Mobile to Help Customers Save Time and Money

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - Sep 22, 2011) - National Grid, Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), NSTAR Electric, Cape Light Compact and Unitil -- as part of Mass Save® -- introduce the Light Bulb Finder, a free smart phone application that helps customers find the energy efficient light bulbs that best match their light quality, fit and performance needs.

The efficient light bulb market continues to expand as more bulb varieties -- such as dimmable or three-way bulbs -- become available. It can be difficult to know which newer model bulbs to choose when replacing older, less efficient bulbs.

"Our customers tell us it is difficult to compare incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents (CFLs), so selecting a bulb with the light quality and fit they are looking for can be troublesome," said Tony Fornuto, Program Administrator at WMECo, a sponsor of Mass Save. "This new smart phone app makes the selection and purchase process much easier. Helping consumers switch to efficient light bulbs is another way we can help them save money on their electric bills."

The Light Bulb Finder app is available to Massachusetts electric utility and energy efficiency service provider customers as a free download on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android^™ devices. To download the app, visit the app store on a mobile device and search for "Light Bulb Finder." Customers begin by entering their zip code so that the app can connect them to bulb discounts available at local retailers and via the app.

Users then enter information about their light fixture, current bulb and usage, and the app recommends the efficient bulb that best matches the desired appearance, light quality and usage. For each recommendation, the app provides the payback period, annual cost savings, bulb lifetime savings and annual CO₂ emissions. Users can create shopping lists and purchase efficient bulbs directly through the app or in person at participating local retail stores identified by the app.

The Light Bulb Finder is an energy efficiency resource offered by Massachusetts' electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers as part of Mass Save.

About Mass Save: Mass Save® is an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts' gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers. The Sponsors of Mass Save work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to provide a wide range of services, incentives, trainings, and information promoting energy efficiency that help residents and businesses manage energy use and related costs.