Red Deerians can save energy and money this year when they take part in the second annual Christmas light exchange program at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre starting Oct. 22.

The program, offered in partnership by the City of Red Deer and Kerry Wood Nature Centre, gives people the chance to exchange two strings of old, incandescent exterior holiday lights for one box of new, energy efficient LED lights.

In 2009 the Christmas Light Exchange proved to be a tremendous success. Nearly 3,000 strings of old inefficient, incandescent Christmas lights were exchanged by Red Deerians.

“Based on last year’s successful light exchange, the City through the Electric, Light & Power department is proud once again to provide the funds to promote energy efficiency. The partnership with Kerry Wood Nature is a perfect fit,” said Nancy Hackett, Environmental Initiatives Supervisor with the City of Red Deer.

“Offering this program is a unique way to provide residents with options about different ways to conserve energy, and it provides them with the tools to make an immediate difference for the environment and their pocketbook.”

This program is open to Red Deer residents only, and lights will be given out on a first come, first served basis. There is a limit of one box of free LED lights per adult per household. This year London Drugs is the supplier and has provided lights to the program at a reduced rate. All LED lights provided through this program are multi coloured.

“Replacing incandescent house lights with LED lights can reduce your holiday energy consumption by up to 95 per cent,” said Todd Nivens, programs coordinator with Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

The Kerry Wood Nature Centre is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and from 1 to 5 p.m. on statutory holidays.

For more information, call the Kerry Wood Nature Centre at 403-346-2010 or the City of Red Deer Environmental Initiatives Section at 403-342-8750.

-Weber