×

Bureaucracy can be slow even to ideas that can save

Change comes slowly to the bureaucracy — usually by design. But for as easy as it is for those living in the real world to criticize the workings of West Virginia’s massive non-elected government, it appears some agencies are taking small steps in the right direction.

At what is projected to be a savings of $42,000 per year on electricity, the Department of Environmental Protection has switched out all its fluorescent light bulbs to LED bulbs. While the bulbs did cost a pretty penny –$118,000 for the 10,000 bulbs at headquarters in Kanawha City — the agency got a more than $28,000 rebate from Appalachian Power for the move. And the bulbs are expected to last 20 years.

So, assuming all the DEP’s calculations are correct, the bulbs will have paid for themselves in about two-and-a-half years. They should then save taxpayers approximately $735,000 over the rest of their lifespan. That is in one building, folks.

There are dozens upon dozens of government buildings and offices in Charleston alone.

It is worth noting that the agency charged with protecting the environment in the Mountain State took this long to make such an environmentally and fiscally important change. LEDs have been touted for years as a more energy-efficient alternative to incandescent, halogen and fluorescent bulbs.

But at least on this one small front, the physician has decided to heal itself, and taxpayers should be glad. Maybe it is a sign that there really are folks on the ground looking for ways to reduce the obscene amount of money our bureaucracy spends. In any case, it is a bright idea that should be considered for other government facilities as well.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today