AmerenUE has partnered with Operation Food Search (OFS) to help families served by local food pantries save energy and money. AmerenUE’s Social Marketing Distribution Energy Efficiency Program is providing families with ENERGY STAR®-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) as part of their weekly food packages distributed by OFS through member agencies. In all, UE and OFS will partner to distribute 35,000 bulbs to income-qualified St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren County families to help them save energy in their homes and money on their electric bills.
Twenty Missouri pantries will participate in the distribution of the CFL bulbs from the Operation Food Search Wentzville Distribution Center. Families that do not receive assistance through the participating food pantries can purchase discount-priced CFLs at more than 300 stores through UE’s discount programs. To locate participating stores, go to www.Uefficiency.com.
“CFLs are an easy way for families to cut energy costs and focus resources on other needs. We know in these tough economic times it’s important to help our neighbors,” says Richard Mark, UE Senior Vice President, Customer Operations.
ENERGY STAR®-qualified CFLs can last up to 10,000 hours or 9 years. They produce 75% less heat than traditional bulbs, making them safer to operate and more energy efficient – saving about $30 in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb.
The CFL distribution by OFS in Wentzville will bring the total number of bulbs distributed through partnering organizations under UE’s Social Marketing Distribution Program to 115,000 so far.
About the Partners
AmerenUE, founded in 1902, provides electric and gas service to approximately 1.2 million customers across central and eastern Missouri, including the greater St. Louis area. UE serves 57 Missouri counties and 500 towns. The company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. For more information, visit www.amerenue.com.
Since 1981, Operation Food Search has been addressing the growing problem of hunger and poverty in Missouri. Through a network of approximately 300 community agencies, including emergency food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens, Operation Food Search helps feed 120,000 people each month. Nearly half of those it helps are children. The organization distributes food from facilities in University City and Wentzville. Operation Food Search also offers nutrition education, promotes community gardens and provides food to low income children through their Operation Backpack program. For more information, visit www.ofsearch.org.
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Contact: Mike Cleary, 573-681-7137