The cost of lighting up for Christmas

To say Chris Donnells doesn’t like Christmas, would be like saying Santa Claus prefers Halloween.

Donnells puts on a massive Christmas display at his house every year, and what started out as 1,500 lights six years ago has turned into more than 40,000 lights this year.

"It's kind of like a jigsaw puzzle," he said. "I put it all up and figure out where the electrical outlets go afterwards."

Of course, to light the night so even passing jumbo jets can see it is not cheap, but Donnells feels the cost is worth it for every car that stops by in awe to take a picture.

"It's probably going to be over 400 to 500 dollars over my normal bill," Donnells said.

To offset some of that cost, Donnells is taking a suggestion from United Illuminating by installing some LED lights. They're more expensive than a regular string of holiday lights, but considering the energy they save, LED lights are cost effective in the long run.

Elsewhere, while some cities in Connecticut have cancelled light displays due to economic factors, West Haven's annual tree lighting ceremony was as expected as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. The town is not using LED lights, but instead locked in a rate years ago to reduce the electric bill and save money.

"Two years ago we locked in a rate and it came due - it's due right about now," Mayor John Picard, (D) West Haven, said. "We sent out a bid, our electric costs will be less than they were right now. Starting January 1st our rate is lower, which saves the city about two million dollars over three years."

Back in Milford, Donnells already has ideas for next year's Christmas. No matter what the economy will be like, the lights will continue to shine at his house.

Donnells puts on this display to raise money for the Connecticut Food Bank. "I like giving back to the community," he said.

For more information, visit Chris's website at http://www.thathouseinmilford.com/index.htm