CL&P Offers Customers Exchange For Hazardous Halogen Floor Lamp

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Light and Power Company is offering customers a chance to turn in their hazardous halogen torchere floor lamps and receive a new Energy Star lamp, free of charge.

The exchange is designed to make consumers aware of the fire hazards posed by halogen torchere floor lamps, which the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says have been responsible for more than 350 fires and 30 deaths since 1992. The turn-in began July 20 at a special tent set up by CL&P outside the Westfarms Mall in Farmington. The hazardous lamps may be turned in during regular mall hours each day through July 30.

On Friday, July 21, a demonstration on the hazards of the torchere halogen bulb will be held at 1 pm and officials will be on hand to speak with consumers about fire safety in general. They include Wendy Reed, the Energy Star spokespeorson from Washington, DC, and East Farmington Assistant Fire Chief Robert Sudell.

In addition to the turn-in, customers will be provided instant rebate coupons if they wish to purchase new energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs at substantially reduced prices when they enter the mall to pick up their new lamp.

“We’re hopeful our customers will recognize the dangers posed by these halogen lamps, which we consider a serious safety issue, and take us up on this offer,” said Phillip Vece, CL&P’s senior marketing and conservation program administrator. “At the same time, customers will have the opportunity to receive a new, safe, stylish compact fluorescent lamp, a $40 value, absolutely free,” he said.