Columnist Muriel Stevens: Energy tips gratefully illuminated

Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001 | 8:29 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping and travel columns appear Wednesday. Her dining column appearsFriday. Reach her at 259-4080 or muriel@lasvegassun.com.

When the power crunch came and my monthly bill soared to more than $300, I knew it was time make some changes in how I light up my life.

The first thing I did was look into the reasonably priced new fluorescent bulbs for lamps. Some years ago, when these energy savers first came on the market, I tried a few. They cost the earth and cast a glow that wasn't right for reading or much else. The new bulbs are much better, but not all of them. Some take time to reach their maximum glow; others don't come close to providing the wattage they supposedly equal.

I just kept trying and buying and returning until I found a selection just right for me. I've learned to accept the few seconds it takes before the lighting kicks in if the light performs well. The makeup bulbs I bought at Home Depot take a minute or so to fully light, but the shape of the bulb and the glow when fully developed is lovely.

Another set of small corkscrew-shaped bulbs I bought at Costco cost less than the Home Depot bulbs and provide a brighter light, even though they're only 15 watts each (equal to 60-75 watts).

I now have various sizes and shapes of the fluorescent lights throughout my home. At first there was no change in my power bill; it even increased a bit. When it reached $309 I was puzzled. How long would it take before I would see some savings?

The answer? Three months. After three months with the new bulbs and a few other changes my power bill dropped a whopping $103!

Using information gathered from a handy little book distributed by Nevada Power, "12 Easy Ways to Save Energy Dollars at Home," I kicked my thermostat to 78, only three degrees higher than I usually set it. There was no discernible difference in the comfort level, not even on the hottest days. I bought a circulating stand fan for my bedroom and that made a difference, too.

Free copies of this useful book are available at the "Take Control" booth in the lobby of Nevada Power's main branch at Sahara and Jones. For more information about lowering your power bill go to NP's website, nevadapower/takecontrol.com.

Saks targets breast cancer: Saks Fifth Avenue kicks off "Fashion Targets Breast Cancer," Thursday from 4-7 p.m. A gala party will take place with food from Ortanique at Paris Las Vegas and Josef's Brasserie at Aladdin's Desert Passage mall. There will be chocolates from Ethel M and special gift-card incentives during party hours and Saturday. The more you spend, the more you get. For more info call 733-8300.

Bed Bath & Beyond in Henderson: BB&B has opened a 30,000-square-foot store at Sun Mark Plaza at 621 Marks St. This is the first Las Vegas store for the chain of 359 home furnishings and high-quality domestics stores in 44 states. Shop BB&B for linens, bath accessories, window treatments, cookware, dinnerware, glassware and lifestyle accessories. The bridal and gift registry is available through the Internet at bedbathandbeyond.com.

Each department is like a store-within-a-store. The selection of closet and storage items and stuff for kids is terrific. Store hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.