ENERGY STAR says LEDs are small light sources that are illuminated by the movement of electrons through a semiconductor material. Many require 90 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts. For example, ENERGY STAR says the amount of electricity consumed by just one 7-watt incandescent bulb could power 140 LEDs — enough to light two 24-foot strings.

The U.S. Department of Energy says LEDs have several other advantages over incandescent lights:

-    LEDs have an operational life span of roughly 20,000 hours, enough to last 40 holiday seasons.

-    LEDS are cooler than incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of fire and injury.

-    LEDs are made in the same shapes and varieties as traditional incandescent strands but are more durable.

-    Because LEDs use less power, you’re less likely to overload a wall socket by connecting several strands together.

DOE estimates if every household switched to LED holiday lights, the country would save approximately $410 million in electricity costs. If the commercial sector also made the switch, DOE estimates the energy savings would be equal to one 1,000-megawatt power plant or the annual electricity consumption of almost 500,000 households.

“Whether or not you decorate your home this season with LEDs, you can still keep your holiday-lighting costs low by using timers to limit displays to no more than six evening hours a day,” says Vice President of Retail Operations Zack Dusenbury. “Leaving those lights on 24 hours a day could otherwise quadruple your energy costs.”

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, and the state’s largest power producer, supplying electricity to more than 163,000 retail customers in Berkeley, Georgetown, and Horry counties, as well as to 30 large industrial facilities, the cities of Bamberg and Georgetown, and the Charleston Air Force Base. Santee Cooper also generates the power distributed by the state’s 20 electric cooperatives to more than 700,000 customers in all 46 counties. Approximately 2 million South Carolinians receive their power directly or indirectly from Santee Cooper. The utility also provides water to 137,000 consumers in Berkeley and Dorchester counties, and the town of Santee. For more information, visit www.santeecooper.com.