Light sockets all over Oak Harbor are donning the latest and greatest in bulb technology thanks to the efforts of Puget Sound Energy’s Project Porchlight and more than 100 local volunteers.

“I can’t think of anywhere where we’ve had more than 30 or 40 people come out,” said Sarah Davis, Project Porchlight regional manager.

Volunteers distributed 4,000 free, energy-saving light bulbs over the course of three Project Porchlight events in Oak Harbor plus another 1,300 at the Oak Harbor Farmers Market, National Night Out and North Whidbey car show.

“Oak Harbor has had the best participation by far. There’s just been a huge response,” Davis said. “The U.S. Navy have been phenomenal.”

Navy volunteers Zachary Urban and Angela Quackenbush both participated in more than one evening Project Porchlight with their Navy cohorts.

“People have been very open to us,” Urban said, adding that about 22 people from her Navy Information Operations Command unit participated.

Each CLF Bulb lasts for five to seven years and can produce energy savings of up to $30, according to the Project Porchlight Web site.

The energy efficient bulbs contain mercury and must be disposed of properly, said Maribeth Crandell, Oak Harbor’s environmental educator.

CFL disposal bins are located at Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Oak Harbor City Hall, Public Works, Oak Harbor Library and at the Puget Sound Energy office.

It’s not too late to exchange energy-sucking incandescent bulbs for efficient compact fluorescent lights.

Ace Hardware, 150 SE Pioneer Way, will host Rock the Bulb this weekend, Saturday Aug. 29 and Sunday Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and switch up to 10 incandescent bulbs for CFLs, enjoy live music and enter to win a prize.

Visit www.projectporchlight.com or call Anna Cronin at 425-213-5634 for more information.