In 1997, the U.S. government collaborated with researchers, utilities, and major lighting manufacturers to develop more efficient lighting products that would consume less energy and place less strain on resources, while incorporating features desirable to consumers. The result was a variety of compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) fixtures that meet the EPA/DOE's ENERGY STAR standards- the highest standards in energy efficiency, lighting quality, safety, and reliability. Research shows there are 3 billion light fixtures currently in use in American homes. The energy consumed by these fixtures amounts to 138 billion kilowatt-hours of energy per year, between 10 and 15 percent of total electricity use. This energy costs consumers nearly $11 billion annually, and creates approximately 100 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. By introducing high-efficiency fixtures, it is projected that 85 billion kilowatt-hours could be saved annually. Utilities needed a way to introduce the new energy-efficient technology to consumers across the U.S.

PRR focus group research showed that getting the public to switch out hard-wired fixtures in their homes would be a difficult task. Because of this, PRR recommended a plan to give consumers a risk-free first step towards energy-efficient lighting: the purchase of ENERGY STAR torchiere lamps. PRR invented the concept of a Torchiere Turn-In Event a one-week campaign designed to increase consumer awareness about the dangers of halogen torchiere floor lamps and promote the safety and energy benefits of ENERGY STAR models. The campaign culminated in a Turn-In Event where consumers could drop off their old halogen torchieres for recycling and purchase a new ENERGY STAR model at a substantial discount. As a result, more than 10,000 ENERGY STAR torchieres were sold in eight days, with over 75 news stories filed on the dangers of halogen lighting and the many benefits of CFLs. The success of our event in Wisconsin encouraged Home Depot stores in the Midwest to ban halogen torchieres from all of their stores. Today, six major manufacturers, including General Electric, use CFL technology and the number of retailers carrying ENERGY STAR products continues to multiply. Due to the great success of the concept, other public relations firms and utilities across the country have duplicated the event, and PRR has since implemented the event in eight communities across the nation.