WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pepco has given approximately 11,900 compact fluorescent energy efficient light bulbs to families served by food pantry providers in Prince George's County and Montgomery County. Six organizations that provide food for thousands of families received the ENERGY STAR^® certified compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs at no cost. The light bulb giveaway is part of Pepco's residential energy efficiency Lighting Program, which supports Governor Martin O'Malley's EmPOWER Maryland initiative to help the state reduce energy consumption by 15 percent by 2015.

Just in time for the holidays, Pepco has provided the CFLs for distribution to Nourish Now, SEED Food Distribution, Ebenezer AME Church, Marlboro Churches Food Bank, Mid-County United Ministries and EduCare Support Services, Inc. Each organization serves various communities of elderly, and limited and fixed income families with food and clothing, and in some cases training, education and housing.

 "We believe it's important to support the communities we serve," said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president.  "Switching to CFLs is one way to help save money by lowering energy use. CFLs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs and can save about $40 in electricity costs over the life of a bulb."

"All of Nourish Now's programs concentrate on bringing food and security to those in need," said Brett Meyers, executive director. "Lowering energy costs will help families stretch their food purchasing power."

Pepco continues to offer a variety of other energy efficiency programs to Maryland customers through its residential Home Energy Savings Program, such as lighting discounts, home energy assessments, and rebates on appliances and heating and cooling systems. For additional information, call 1-866-353-5798 or visit pepco.com/saveenergy.