In partnership with the largest electric delivery utility in Texas, the program offers significant incentives for commercial, non-profit and governmental customers to upgrade parking lots, garages and other public facilities with energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lighting and controls.
"LEDs are emerging as the game-changing technology for lighting the 21st century," said Program Manager Christopher Rooks. "LEDs can provide clean bright light and last twice as long as traditional high-intensity discharge lamps, while consuming less than half the energy."
According to a recent demonstration project conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, parking garages that replace high-pressure sodium area lamps with LEDs could save over $100 in annual energy and maintenance costs per fixture.
The program provides cash rebates (based on calculated peak-demand and annual energy savings resulting from LED installations or retrofits) that cover up to 80 percent of a project's total cost. These incentives allow utility customers to recuperate installation costs in as little as one year, with all future savings and benefits accruing to property owners.
"This program is a win-win for both customers and the utility," added Rooks. "Customers can save energy, reduce operating costs, and enhance property values while helping to reduce demand and the need for new power generation and transmission capacity."
The program completed its first pilot project last month and is now developing a network of qualified trade allies and preparing to initiate large-scale lighting efficiency projects. Stay tuned for future updates from this important new initiative.
