Energy efficient LED lights are lighting up Chula Vista's Civic Center complex over the holidays. The display, featuring more than 250 light strands on buildings and palm trees, is part of an effort to encourage residents and businesses to make the switch to newer and safer energy saving technology.

By exchanging traditional incandescent holiday lights for LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting strands, homeowners can reduce energy costs by up to 90 percent. Also, LEDs last more than 10 times longer than conventional lights, produce a brighter light, and have cooler operating temperatures---making them safe to touch and less likely to cause a fire.

Since 2011, more than 200 Chula Vista households have successfully participated in the statewide Energy Upgrade California program. These homeowners were eligible for incentives up to $4,000 to help make their homes more energy efficient. On average, participating households reduced their energy usage by 23 percent and received incentives of $2,000 helping to lower their project costs by almost 20 percent. Additionally, 14 homeowners utilized zero percent-interest financing provided by the City's Home Upgrade, Carbon Downgrade program to fund their projects. Combined, these Chula Vista homes are expected to save more than 100,000 kilowatt hours of electricity and 17,000 therms of natural gas per year -- enough energy to power 65 homes! Along with lower energy bills, participants have reported improved comfort and air quality in their homes.

In order to participate in the Energy Upgrade California program, the homeowners signed-up for a comprehensive energy audit performed by a certified contractor. This audit requires the contractor to test all of the home's components that affect energy usage in order to determine where energy is being wasted and what can be done to fix the problems. Typical energy efficiency improvements include installing new attic or wall insulation, air sealing, furnace or air conditioner, water heater, appliances, and windows. All Energy Upgrade California contractors have been trained and are subject to quality assurance checks, which ensure that homeowners receive high quality workmanship that maximizes energy savings.

To find out how you can participate in Energy Upgrade California, CLICK HERE for program details and a list of local contractors. To take advantage of free home energy evaluations or zero percent-interest financing offered by the City, please contact the City of Chula Vista's Conservation Section by calling (619) 409-3893

or CLICK HERE.