Cree recently came out with a new type of bulb. It is the first of its kind to emit natural light and is the first to meet California Energy Commission LED bulb specifications.  The new TW series bulb has a coloring rendering index (CRI) of 93. The higher the rating, the more accurate the color the actual color of the object it illuminates. The bulb uses 78% less energy and lasts 25 times longer than your typical light bulb. It is also dimmable with most standard dimmers. Another great aspect of the bulb is that it is backed by Cree's 10 year limited warranty. The 40 watt replacement retails for $17.97 and the 60 watt replacement retails for $19.97. Year after year, you will find that these bulbs will more than pay for themselves.

Learn more about this new type of bulb here:  http://www.cree.com/Lighting/Landing-Page/Cree-Bulb

This month is National Preparedness Month, so there is no better time than now to create your own disaster plan. At the very least, you should have an Emergency Preparedness Kit with the essentials for at least 3 days for your entire household. It never hurts to take the extra step and include extra supplies like a small tool kit or games to entertain your family. Also, it is essential to have a plan. Decide what kind of disaster could take place and base your plan around it. After you have made your plan, make sure that your family also is aware of it and practice your plan.

 The American Red Cross offers useful information to find out what you need to do and why it is important to prepare yourself in the event of an emergency. Follow this link to read it in full: http://preparesocal.org/tips-tools/make-a-plan

With temperatures soaring in the last few weeks, many people are running more power at home or  in the office than they normally would in order to try and keep cool. On days like these, Southern California Edison offers "Save Power Days" to help save power across Southern California. On a Save Power Day, customers are encouraged to reduce their power usage from the hours of 2 and 6 pm. If their usage is below their average, then they will earn credit towards their energy bill. 
Here is a list found on the SCE website of ways to save energy:

• Setting or programming thermostats no lower than 78 degrees.
• Using electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
• Turning off unused appliances and equipment.
• Shutting off lights when leaving a room.
• Avoiding evaporative coolers or humidifiers when an air conditioner is running.
• Operating energy-intensive appliances during early morning or evening hours.
• Limiting how often you open your refrigerator door.

Check out the full article here: http://newsroom.edison.com/stories/sce-calls-another-save-power-day-to-encourage-conservation