November 30, 2006
For many, the joy of the season starts with
decorating their homes with colorful lights and holiday
displays. NSTAR wants to remind customers of some
seasonal tips and facts to keep families safe, and bills
down, this time of year.
As decorations become more elaborate, it’s important to keep the following basic safety tips in mind:
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Before reusing last year’s lights, inspect them for damage or frayed areas, especially around the plug.
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Always unplug a light string or decoration before replacing fuses or bulbs.
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Use only lights and electric decorations that carry the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety label.
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Make sure that electrical circuits and extension cords are properly rated and not overloaded.
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To avoid overheating or damage, never run electrical cords under rugs.
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Be sure to look for overhead power lines before raising or climbing a ladder outdoors.
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Use only outdoor-approved lighting and extension cords when decorating outdoors.
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Plug outdoor lights and decorations into outlets protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.
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Always shut off or unplug holiday decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
One of the most frequently asked questions this time of year is, “How much do holiday lights add to my electric bill?” Though the answer varies by the number of lights used, it’s clear that they’ve gotten much more efficient over the years. Miniature holiday lights, most commonly sold in 50 or 100 light strands, use only half-a-watt per bulb. A strand of 100 lights used for six hours a day will cost about $1.50 per month. For even greater savings, consider upgrading to holiday lights that use Light Emitting Diodes instead of bulbs. LED’s use 90 percent less energy, are more durable and can last up to 20 years. A 100-light strand of LED’s will cost just 15 cents per month to run.
NSTAR transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including over one million electric customers in 81 communities and nearly 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities.
