2021 Make the Switch

(St. John’s, NL): takeCHARGE has donated over 21,000 energy-efficient LED light bulbs to a number of local, non-profit organizations and other groups that provide support within communities across Newfoundland and Labrador through Make the Switch. These groups will distribute the energy-efficient light bulbs to individuals and families in their network or use the donation in their facilities to help them save energy and money!

“Partnering with these community-minded organizations allows us to extend our reach and ensure more customers get to experience the benefits of adopting energy-efficient LEDs in their homes and businesses,” says Keith Barrett, Manager of Energy Solutions with Newfoundland Power. “Through initiatives like Make the Switch, takeCHARGE is committed to providing our customers with the tools and information they need to use energy wisely.”

“Installing LED lights bulbs in your home is a smart energy choice,” says Carl Bishop, Manager, Customer Service with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. “Partnering with groups within our communities allows us to get LED light bulbs into thousands of households and help customers reduce their electric usage and save on their monthly bills.”

Each partnership in this Make the Switch initiative provided unique opportunities for these organizations or groups to distribute LED light bulbs to customers, individuals and families. For instance, by working with Colemans we were able to give light bulbs to seniors during dedicated shopping hours on National Seniors Day. The Single Parent Association distributed LED light bulbs to approximately 150 families to use in their homes, allowing them to save energy and reduce their monthly electricity costs.

“We were very excited to apply for Make the Switch on behalf of the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland,” said Hayley Gardner, volunteer with Go Getters NL. “Single parents who availed of the LED light bulbs provided will be able to take the first steps in making their homes more energy efficient.”
“Thank you for the donation of LED light bulbs. We will continue to install them and give them to our tenants,” said Councillor Ophelia Ravencroft, with the City of St. John’s. “Energy efficiency is important to us and we will continue to partner and explore more ways to improve.”

“What a great way to give back to the community by providing free LED light bulbs to help make the switch!” said Lizeta Gould, Manager/Clerk with the Town of Port Aux Choix.

Kenneth Reid, Mayor of the Town of Roddickton was excited to participate in the Make the Switch initiative and said, “This program has assisted low income customers and seniors to reduce lighting costs with the more energy-efficient LED light bulbs.”

The energy-efficient LED light bulbs donated by takeCHARGE helped the following groups:
• Association for New Canadians
• City of St. John’s, Not for Profit Housing Division
• Community Centre Alliance
• Community Sector Council in partnership with Go Getters NL and Single Parent Association
• Cooperative Housing Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Inc.
• Fogo Heritage Society
• Gander Elks Lodge
• Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador
• Hermitage-Sandyville Lions Club
• Holy Redeemer Cathedral and Residence
• Iris Kirby House
• NL 50+ Federation in partnership with Terra Nova Regional Goodwill Inc.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
• Point May Volunteer Fire Department
• Stella’s Circle
• St. John’s Women’s Centre
• Town of Gillams on behalf of Gillams Recreation
• Town of Point Lance
• Town of Channel-Port aux Basques
• Town of Port aux Choix
• Town of Port Saunders
• Town of Roddickton-Bide Arm
• Town of Sandringham
• Town of Spaniard’s Bay

Since 2017, takeCHARGE has provided over 50,000 LED light bulbs to over 70 non-profit organizations and local groups across the province through Make the Switch.

LED light bulbs are great for both homes and businesses. These energy-efficient light bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last on average 15 times longer than a traditional incandescent bulb. Energy efficient lighting is just one way to make homes and businesses more energy efficient. Learn how you can get money back and save energy with other tips and rebates from takeCHARGE at TakeChargeNL.ca.

A joint initiative between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) and Newfoundland Power, takeCHARGE combines the expertise and customer reach of Newfoundland and Labrador’s two electricity utilities. We work together to bring energy efficiency awareness and savings to the residents of this province. Your utilities are here to provide a service — a reliable source of energy to run your homes and businesses. To us, that also means helping you use energy wisely through takeCHARGE. For energy efficiency tips and information on rebate programs, visit TakeChargeNL.ca today!
Newfoundland Power is the primary distributer of electricity on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador, and purchases 93% of its energy needs from Hydro. With a customer base of approximately 271,000 accounts, Newfoundland Power is committed to safety, dedicated to the highest level of customer service and focused on delivering reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost. For more information on Newfoundland Power’s programs, services and community partnerships, please visit newfoundlandpower.com.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro manages the province’s electricity system. Hydro is a company of people who work hard behind the scenes because customers are counting on us every day. Through generation, transmission and distribution operations, Hydro is committed to meeting the needs of customers and providing residents, businesses and communities across the province with safe, reliable power. For more information, visit www.nlhydro.com.