He’s yellow, an insect, a lightbulb – and our mascot. We are celebrating Louie the Lightning Bug as this past Monday was National Mascot Day. Louie has also had a lasting impact on millions of children.

Moore Syndication first developed the character in 1983 for Alabama Power. Louie the Lightning Bug was created to help introduce electrical safety to children. In fact, a focus group of children, ages 6-11, selected the ever-smiling Louie over two other choices (Mr. Electrix and Leon the Neon Dragon). The mascot was so successful other utility companies adopted his likeness. According to Moore Syndication, 50 utilities have licensed the character.

Louie, like the rest of us, has changed over the past 40-plus years. The character still educates communities on electrical safety but now also promotes energy efficiency. Louie started out as an incandescent bulb, then later changed to a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL). In 2017, Louie was updated to an LED bulb.

A number of our employees have donned the costume to represent us at company and community events at schools and safety demonstrations. Being Louie does come with certain challenges, especially when it comes to ZERO HARM. Those inside the costume need to stay hydrated and have an escort to help navigate the crowd and avoid slips, trips and falls.

Louie taught millions of children to “play it safe around electricity” with his coloring books, commercials and catchy songs. He’s represented I&M at fairs, festivals, parades and at local schools.