Alliant Energy: Offers safety and energy-efficiency tips for holiday decorating

Media Contact: Scott Reigstad (608) 458-3145

MADISON, WI – November 30, 2009 – Well before the turkey leftovers even make it into the refrigerator, some holiday enthusiasts are stringing lights and hanging wreaths. This holiday season, Wisconsin Power and Light, an Alliant Energy company (Alliant Energy), urges customers to use common sense, abide by electrical safety rules and consider energy efficiency when decorating their home.

Electrical injuries and home tragedies can often be prevented. Alliant Energy suggests the following dos and don’ts to help keep the holidays happy and safe.

The right way

* Do check for cracked or loose sockets and connections, exposed wires, and frayed, broken or scorched insulation before plugging in any lights – old or new. Then put the lights on a nonflammable surface and plug them in for 10-15 minutes to check for melting, smoking or overheating. Throw away any strings showing flaws.

* Do make sure your lights are safety certified. Look for a label that says “Underwriters Laboratories Approved” or “UL Listed.”

* Do protect small children and pets by using plastic safety covers on all unused outlets and keeping cords out of sight and reach. A cord as short as 12 inches can strangle a child.

* Do water your “real” Christmas tree every day, and keep light strings from coming into direct contact with branches. If you have an artificial tree, make sure it’s fire retardant.

* Do make sure the lights and extension cords you use outside are certified for outdoor use and are plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet (if available).

* Do keep decorations and ladders away from overhead electrical lights and power lines.

* Do follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how many strings of lights can be safely connected together.

The wrong way

* Don’t plug more than three light strings into an extension cord.

* Don’t leave lights on while you’re sleeping or away from home. If you tend to forget, use a timer.

* Don’t use metal staples or nails as fasteners for lights. This can damage the protective insulation covering the wires.

* Don’t leave extension cords out in the open and/or at levels where small children or pets can come in contact with or chew on them.

* Don’t run extension cords across sidewalks or driveways.

When selecting your holiday decorating lights, you can save money by choosing wisely.

Participating Wisconsin retailers are now offering instant in-store Cash-Back Rewards of $3.00 per string of ENERGY STAR® qualified holiday light strands purchased between October 11, 2009 and December 31, 2009 or while supplies last (limit 12). With the electricity savings and instant Cash-Back Rewards from Focus on Energy, your new LED holiday lights will be more affordable than ever and the number of colors and options continue to expand every year.

Each LED light string will save you about $4 in electricity costs over the holiday season when compared to traditional incandescent holiday lights. ENERGY STAR qualified LED holiday lights last up to 10 times longer, use 75 percent less energy and won’t break like most glass bulbs. To find a participating retailer in your area visit focusonenergy.com/holidaylights or call 800-762-7077.

For more information about energy efficiency and electrical safety, visit http://www.alliantenergy.com or http://www.powerhousetv.com