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A Tip To Save Money On Your Christmas Energy Bill

Public Domain via Pixabay

The holidays are just around the corner, and for many of us that means it’s time to put up our Christmas and Hanukkah lights.

XCel energy put out a press release this week (see below) to remind High Plains families to be safe with their electricity—and to employ energy-saving LED holiday lighting when possible.

Ronnie Walker, Xcel’s regional Community Relations manager for Amarillo, says “As we choose our lights, it’s good to think about not only what they cost to purchase, but also how much energy they use.”

Strings of LED lights may cost more up front than traditional incandescent lights. But LED lighting will save you money in the long run. That’s because LED lights use a fraction of the energy traditional holiday lights use.

According Energy Department estimates, over a ten year period, it will costs families a hundred dollars more to light a tree with incandescent lights than with LED.  

Energy-saving LED holiday lighting a bargain over time

Xcel Energy compares costs, offers tips for decorating safely with lights

AMARILLO, Texas (Nov. 21, 2019) – Xcel Energy is offering tips on saving money and, above all,
staying safe as area residents turn their attention to stringing holiday lights for the festivities to come in
December.

“Safety should always be our first consideration regardless of the type of lighting we choose,” said Ronnie
Walker, Xcel Energy regional manager for Community Relations in Amarillo. “And as we choose our
lights, it’s good to think about not only what they cost to purchase, but also how much energy they use.”
Strings of LED lights still cost more to purchase than strings of traditional incandescent lights, but
because LED lights use a fraction of the energy traditional holiday lights use, they have a minimal impact
on a monthly electric bill, Walker said.

Energy.gov, an information website maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy, offers a cost
comparison on its LED Lighting page that shows traditional incandescent C9 lights for a six-foot
Christmas tree cost about $10 to power for 40 days. The LED equivalents would only cost about 27 cents
to operate during that same period. These estimated costs are based on kilowatt-hour prices very close to
Xcel Energy’s Texas and New Mexico residential electricity rates.

These savings add up over time. Energy.gov estimates it would cost $122.19 to purchase and power
incandescent C9 bulbs for a six-foot tree over a 10-year period, but LED lights would only cost $17.99 to
purchase and operate over that period. Similar savings can be achieved with LED mini lights over
incandescent mini lights. The 10-year savings takes into account likely replacement of the incandescent
lights every three years because they don’t last as long as LEDs.

LED lights are also safer than traditional holiday lighting because they put off very little heat, and the
epoxy lenses are more resistant to breakage. Better yet, up to 25 strings of LED lights can be connected
end to end without overloading a wall socket.

Walker added that customers should check to ensure their light strings and extension cords are not cut,
frayed or located close to a heat source. And if hanging lights outdoors, customers should keep at least
10 feet away from electric wires and exercise extreme caution when using ladders to reach rooftops and
tree branches. The consequences of electric shock and falling from high places are severe.

These and other safety tips can be found at the “Keep Holidays Colorful & Safe” page on xcelenergy.com.
About Xcel Energy