June 4, 2007

From city of Houston News Release

Houston Mayor Bill White joined officials from Centerpoint, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and other corporate sponsors May 18 to launch the Houston Power to People campaign designed to educate Houstonians on options to reduce energy consumption and save money this summer.

“Houstonians have the power to do something about the rising cost of energy,” said White. “Simply, by changing our practices we can save real dollars. And if we all act, the benefits from smart energy consumption pay dividends for the city as a whole.”

The education campaign began with volunteers going door-to-door to homes in the Houston area handing out 10,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs on May 19. Displays were set up at retail outlets throughout the Houston area to provide information on steps Houstonians can immediately and inexpensively take to minimize energy consumption in their homes. Residents will be encouraged to log on to the website at www.houstonpowertopeople.com for options to save money.

Houstonians are encouraged to take five simple steps to reduce energy. Those steps include: using compact fluorescent light bulbs; programming thermostats to reduce energy consumption; sealing leaks around windows and doors; unplugging smaller appliances when not in use; and shopping for the best prices from retail energy providers. Houstonians can shop for the best energy prices at www.houstonconsumerchoice.com

Houstonians who access www.houstonpowertopeople.com to learn more about energy saving options can register for a chance to win assistance for their August energy bill. Eighteen winners will be named.

Centerpoint Energy, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, along with Houston, are co'sponsors of the Power to People campaign.

“Wal-Mart is pleased to sponsor the Power to the People campaign and recognizes Mayor White’s instrumental role in bringing energy awareness to the city of Houston,” said Andy Ruben, vice president of corporate strategy and sustainability. “Our company believes that being a good steward of the environment and saving money can go hand-in-hand. We hope that this gift of 10,000 energy-efficient compact florescent light bulbs will help Houston residents reduce their electric bills and their environmental footprint.”

Special thanks to wholesale energy producer NRG which provided volunteers for the Power to People Kick-Off