[May 31, 2011] Xcel Energy Launches New iPhone Application Tweet Jun 01, 2011 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Xcel Energy announced it has launched its first-ever iPhone application called "Bulb Blasters," a game with a mission to conquer energy inefficiency. According to a release, players fire a compact fluorescent light bulb cannon to blast energy-sucking incandescent light bulbs out of the sky. As players progress to more difficult levels, they receive an efficiency message about saving energy, money and the universe. They can also post their scores and challenge friends. "The game is part of a larger campaign to increase awareness around the energy efficiency benefits of CFLs and to encourage consumers to install them in their homes," says Kim Sherman, product portfolio manager for Xcel Energy. "This is a unique forum designed to engage our younger consumers and our tech-savvy audience to keep efficiency top of mind while having fun blasting away incandescent bulbs." In yet another part of the campaign, Xcel Energy noted that it is partnering with retailers in its service territory to offer CFLs for as little as a dollar each to make it easier and less expensive for people to switch from incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient CFLs. Consumers can visit responsiblebynature.com and type in their zip code to find retailers, learn how much they can save, and find bulb types for different fixtures. Xcel Energy partnered with advertising agency Vladimir Jones and Voltage Digital Advertising and Design to create the game, patterned after Atari's "Space Invaders." Although Bulb Blasters is meant to draw younger consumers, it also appeals to the nostalgia of older gamers that remember the popular Space Invaders game. Xcel Energy is a U.S. electricity and natural gas company that provides a portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies in eight Western and Midwestern states. More Information: bulbblasters.com xcelenergy.com ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]