Eversource: New Holiday Lights a Lot Cheaper for The Ganbys

Eversource’s energy efficiency experts are saying holiday lights purchased recently are a lot cheaper to use.

The said LED strings generally last much longer than traditional bulbs and longer strings of them can be safely run from the same power source.

In addition to a longer lifespan, LEDs offer "significant cost savings," Eversource experts said. For example, a string of standard incandescent mini lights uses around 40 watts while a comparable string of LEDs typically uses just 4.8 watts, which can make a big difference over the course of the season.

How does that translate into the bill?

• Three strings of incandescent mini lights, on for 150 hours, will cost about $3.00.
• Three strings of LEDs, on for 150 hours, will cost about 40 cents.

Eversource is offering holiday tips to help customers stay safe and save money, while being environmentally conscious:

• Never run extension cords under rugs or coil them tightly around themselves, which can cause them to overheat.
• Use a programmable timer for lights to ensure they aren’t accidentally left on.
• Check extension cords for wear, and plug outdoor lights and decorations into GFCI outlets.
• Use advanced power strips where possible for all holiday lighting to eliminate standby energy loss.
• Turn off room lights when the tree is lit to save energy while creating a festive atmosphere.

For more holiday lighting and electrical safety tips, visit www.eversource.com.