HelpLight NJ Receives an Environmental Award for Lending a Helping Hand in New Jersey

(New York, N.Y.) Thousands of low income households in New Jersey received a helping hand in lowering their electric bills thanks to this year’s ENERGY STAR award winner, HelpLight NJ. The volunteer organization raised money to purchase and distribute 60,000 compact fluorescent light (CFLs) bulbs to needy families and seniors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have partnered to honor HelpLight NJ with the 2009 Regional ENERGY STAR Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing. HelpLight NJ, founded by three high school students, provided 10,000 families with six CFLs each, for a total estimated energy cost savings of $4 million.

“We applaud HelpLight NJ on the fantastic job it is doing to facilitate energy savings and minimize utility costs for families that can use the extra help,” said George Pavlou, Acting Regional Administrator for EPA Region 2. “HelpLight NJ stands as a model of the potential young people have in making beneficial changes in the environment and their local community.”