Overview
The Platte River Power Authority “Lighting with a Twist” campaign is currently a seasonal promotion designed to drive sales of CFLs corresponding with national fall Change a Light. APT began work in CO with a retail lighting program sponsored by the City of Ft. Collins. City of Fort Collins, along with three other municipal utilities [Loveland, Longmont and Estes Park] acquire their electric generation from the Platte River Power Authority; PRPA generates and distributes electricity on behalf of the member utilities. In 2007 The City of Ft Collins Program was expanded to include all four PRPA cities under the “Lighting with a Twist” campaign. The Program goals are to increase the sale and installation of CFLs by PRPA customers for general purpose lighting. To drive the sale of CFLs in this marketplace the team designed a Markdown approach with national DIY and wholesale club retailers, local chains and independent hardware stores. These chains include The Home Depot, Lowes, Sam’s Club, Wal Mart and numerous local small chain and independent retailers. Working in coordination with representatives from PRPA, APT launched the Markdown approach at independent stores concept with this program. 

Implementation
Currently APT provides lighting industry and program design consultation for PRPA only; conservation personnel from the municipalities do the actual retail field work. This is done, however, in close concert with APT through frequent communication with the Portland and Springfield offices. PRPA relies on our expertise to guide their employees in the field. As resources allow conservation services people do regular site visits to participating stores and have conducted several outreach events at DIY locations. They distribute POP, ensure pricing is correct and educate sales associates on the Promotion. All national industry negotiations and MOU agreements are handled by APT and the data reporting is managed by EFI. 

Summary of Results
Due to the performance and success of the original and current programs PRPA will likely adopt a year long program in 2008 and will retain APT to guide them through the program design process. There may be opportunity to add APT field services under the expanded program. Working closely with PRPA we demonstrated our ability to enlist independent hardware and building supply stores in the Markdown process. Most independent stores are doing much better than they anticipated and PRPA benefits from improved public relations with locally owned businesses.