Energy-efficient lightbulbs brighten City Hall

With all the talk of an energy-efficient government under the Nutter administration, and all the bills introduced in City Council to create a more sustainable city, there remained until recently 350 energy-sucking reminders in Council Chambers that City Hall was not the greenest of places.

But with a push from Councilman Jim Kenney and a big assist from Peco Energy, Council Chambers is now illuminated by 350 energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs. In addition, the three high-domed rooms flanking the fourth-floor chambers, including the clerk of Council, Caucus Room and general offices, are also being switched to the new bulbs, along with the Mayor's Reception Room and Conversation Hall on the second floor.

The 1,300 new bulbs, donated by Peco at a cost of $25,000, are expected to save taxpayers about $11,000 a year, Peco spokesman Cameron Kline said.

Kenney, chairman of Council's committee on the environment, also said the city would save on maintenance because the bulbs have to be replaced less frequently.

Kenney passed a resolution in March calling for the switch in all city buildings. Public Property Commissioner Joan Schlotterbeck supported it but didn't have wiggle room in her budget to make it happen immediately.

In stepped Peco to donate the bulbs and a number of fixtures. City Hall workers have installed the bulbs in Council Chambers, the Caucus Room, Reception Room and Conversation Hall.

"Peco just made it happen for us," Schlotterbeck said yesterday.

Though they use less energy, the new bulbs have brightened up Council Chambers considerably, Schlotterbeck said yesterday as she pointed to a pink vein in a marble column that she had never before noticed