News Releases

Pennsylvania’s Capitol tree and holiday decorations are a little “greener” this year, aglow with nearly 11,000 energy-efficient LED lights donated by PPL.

The new bulbs could save more than 327,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity and prevent more than 500,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 10 years.

Santa and Mrs. Claus read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" to children gathered at the state's annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony Tuesday (12/9) in Harrisburg. Behind them, the Capitol tree sparkles with 600 new energy-efficient LED lights donated by PPL. >> Click here for high-resolution version, then right click to save.

“We support the governor’s efforts to encourage energy efficiency and conservation,” said David G. DeCampli, president of PPL Electric Utilities. “LEDs are a great way to save energy and protect the environment.

“As consumers, each of us has the power to save. Tapping that potential is what our e-power campaign is all about, and a reason we have provided these very visible symbols of energy efficiency to the people of Pennsylvania,” he said.

The new LEDs on the state tree, located inside the Capitol Rotunda, were switched on Tuesday (12/9) during a special lighting ceremony. The company also donated LEDs that will appear on wreaths and other decorations throughout the Capitol, at the lieutenant governor’s residence and at Soldier’s Grove, a monument just outside the Capitol building.

LEDs, short for light-emitting diodes, use up to 90 percent less energy than standard incandescent holiday lights, generate very little heat and are made of tough material so that they don’t break easily. They last much longer than traditional bulbs, saving consumers the time and frustration of replacing bulbs every year.

“Every little bit of energy saved counts,” DeCampli said. “It not only reduces energy bills, but also helps to protect the environment for generations to come.”

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation that provides electricity delivery services to about 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania, has consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. More information is available at www.pplelectric.com.