my mother has not been having trouble without supplimental lighting. Her old cheap noid catts still bloom even if they don't produce the round full looking desired award blooms (I think it is genetic). Our winters are worse since I'm at a high latitude and they aren't mini ones either (probably Blc. and laeliocatt). Yes growth does not occur in the winter though but the pseudobulbs are mature before winter. She says I use too much electricity since I suppliment my windowsill in addition to my lights in the basement.

Aren't pale green leaves normal for some cattleya?

Cooling down a bit during the winter maybe the key. My windows are not efficent (seriously inefficent, I can feel how cold it is near the window) and she turns down the thermostat at night anyways.