Several businesses, schools and cities are saving with energy efficient lighting.
The Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce in Colorado was awarded a rebate after it installed energy efficient interior and exterior lighting upgrades at its office.
The chamber of commerce is saving about $98 a month in energy costs after it completing the lighting upgrade through the Black Hills Energy Small and Medium Business Direct Install Program, according to a press release.
“The Black Hills Energy Small & Medium Business Direct Install Program has helped significantly reduce our energy usage and costs,” said Sandy Gutierrez, president and chief executive officer of the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce. “We are thrilled to be able to refer our members to the program so that they can enjoy the same opportunities.”
The previous lighting solutions for the chamber of commerce included fluorescent and metal halide lights, which were replaced with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the buildings’ exterior. Energy efficient lighting fixtures were also installed in the building’s interior.
The lights are expected to pay for themselves in less than a year, require less energy and reduce a significant amount of air pollution – a benefit equivalent to planting 153 trees.
California commission offers energy efficiency loans
Two cities in California received energy loans from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to improve energy efficiency. The commission said the funds are from the Energy Conservation Assistant Act program.
Visalia, California, received funding to install interior and exterior energy efficient lighting solutions and lighting controls at several of the city’s facilities, according to the CEC.
Lighting upgrades and retrofits will be installed at the airport, city hall and police and fire stations. The report said the project will help the city save more than $78,000 a year in energy expenses.
The city of Pleasanton, California, will retrofit more than 7,500 street, park and pathway lights with LEDs at several spots throughout the city. The CEC said the new lighting installations will help Pleasanton save approximately $286,421 in yearly energy costs.
Two school districts in California are also receiving funding from the CEC for energy efficient lighting upgrades. Loma Prieta Joint Union School District in Los Gatos will upgrade more than 130 interior and exterior lights with LEDs. Because the new lighting solutions will last longer and use less energy than traditional light bulbs, the school district expects to save more than $6,800 in annual energy costs, according to the CEC.
The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District in Fairfield is also installing energy efficient lighting solutions to save approximately $88,168 in annual energy expenses.
“Investing in energy efficiency technology and equipment is a simple, effective way to reduce energy use and save money,” said Energy Commissioner Andrew McAllister. “Once completed, these four projects will save local cities and schools more than $400,000 in annual energy costs.”
Energy efficiency consultants at Lumenistics can provide more details on the best available lighting solutions for your building, school or city’s needs.