Led Lighting Rebate: The Government's Latest and Most Effective Way to Reduce Energy Costs
With the increasing cost of energy, commercial and industrial properties are turning to lighting-efficiency technology as a way to lower operating costs while also reducing carbon emissions. By implementing lighting-efficiency solutions like LEDs, architects and building owners can save on energy costs and reduce exposure to Hauff’s Triangle. Reducing energy costs is critical for operating properties. In fact, according to a new report from Credit Suisse Research Institute, operating expenses make up about 38% of all fixed operational costs for commercial and industrial buildings. By making simple upgrades such as purchasing LED lights instead of traditional bulbs, businesses can significantly reduce energy costs – and thus operating expenses. There are several federal programs available to help property owners lower their lighting bills and increase the efficiency of their operations.
What is a Lighting Rebate?
A lighting rebate, also known as a net-metering rebate, is a government program that provides rebates on the purchase of lighting equipment to encourage the use of more efficient lighting technology. The US government offers rebates for the installation of lighting equipment that uses efficient lighting technology, such as LEDs. These rebates incentivize the use of lighting technology that reduces energy consumption and helps decrease the risk of carbon emission from fossil fuel-based light sources.
How to Apply for a Lighting Rebate
To apply for a lighting rebate, property owners must first contact their utility provider and request a net-metering account. Once the account is set up, the utility must be used to meter the energy consumed by the lighting equipment. The lighting equipment can be a variety of types of equipment, such as lighting fixtures, ballasts, and controls. The type of equipment used varies according to the program requirements, but the most common types of equipment are these: – Light-emitting diode (LED)-based fixtures – Generally these fixtures are eligible for both federal and state net metering rebates. – Compact fluorescent lighting (CFL)-based fixtures – Generally these fixtures are only eligible for federal net metering rebates. – Incandescent lighting – Generally these fixtures are only eligible for federal net metering rebates.
Tips for Successful Lighting Rebate Requests
– Be clear and thorough when completing the application – It is important to clearly state the reason for the rebate application and to provide evidence that supports the request.
– Provide evidence of the energy savings – The application must include evidence that shows the lighting efficiency of the equipment installed.
– Have the installation completed by an approved contractor – It is important to ensure that the contractor who installed the equipment is approved for the rebate.
– Maintain records – The contractor should be required to maintain energy consumption records and provide them to the utility each month.
– Maintain the equipment – The equipment should be maintained and serviced properly to ensure longevity and energy efficiency.
– Comply with program rules – The rules of the program should be followed, including any requirements to maintain accurate records.
– Maintain membership in a net metering program – Net metering programs are available in many states, and they provide incentives for maintaining a certain amount of energy usage on-site.
Why is lighting efficiency important?
There are a number of reasons why businesses and other users of commercial and industrial lighting should consider installing LED lights. These include: – Energy savings – LED lights are very efficient, with some models able to produce the same amount of light as a 100W incandescent bulb but using only 5W of power. This makes them a great choice for businesses that want to reduce their carbon emissions. – Durability – LED lights are more durable than traditional bulbs and are not subject to the filament crack that is a common problem with CFLs. This means that LED lights are less likely to need to be replaced as often as traditional bulbs. – Lower maintenance costs – LED lights are also less likely to need maintenance than traditional bulbs. This can significantly lower maintenance costs and increases the lifespan of the lights.
Who Qualifies for a Lighting Rebate?
Rebates are available to a wide range of commercial and industrial users as well as non-profit organizations. Businesses that are eligible for a rebate may be: – Farms and other agricultural enterprises – Places of worship – Schools, colleges and universities – Government facilities, including city halls, county offices and state government buildings
– Healthcare facilities – Manufacturing plants
– Professional sports teams
– Nonprofit organizations
To qualify for a rebate the business or organization must be in the following industries: Manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, services (except public administration), construction or mining. The organization must also have at least one light fixture that uses between 50W and 500W per bulb. Rebate amounts vary depending on the type of lighting being replaced. This can include incandescent bulbs, CFLs or HID lights. The amount of money saved by using LED lights can also influence the amount of money that can be received in a rebate. For example if you replace an incandescent bulb with an LED light you will receive a $1 rebate for each watt used by your old light fixture which is being replaced with new LED lights. If you replace an HID lamp with LEDs you will receive $3 per watt used by your old light fixture which is being replaced with new LEDs. A full list of approved applications can be found on the Energy Star website at www.energystar.gov/rebates . Applications may also be submitted online at www.energystarrebates .org .
Federal Programs Available for Lighting Efficiency
– Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP): This federal program provides funding to state LIAP offices to administer a low-income assistance program that provides funding to low-income households for energy-efficiency improvements and other energy-related expenses.
– Energy Efficiency Tax Incentive Program (EETIP): This federal program provides an incentive to businesses that invest in eligible energy-efficiency improvements, such as high-efficiency lighting, heating, ventilation, and air (HVAC) equipment.
– National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): This federal program requires states to establish emission standards for hazardous air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.
State Programs and Initiatives for Lighting Efficiency
– State energy efficiency programs are typically administered by the state utility and offer rebates on the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and other equipment that helps users reduce their energy consumption. These programs provide assistance to low-income households.
– California’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides aid to low-income households for the purchase of energy-efficient equipment and offers funding for improvements to enhance energy efficiency, such as weatherization and retrofitting.
– New York’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides aid to low-income households for the purchase of energy-efficient equipment and offers funding for improvements to enhance energy efficiency, such as weatherization and retrofitting.
Summary
Commercial and industrial buildings require significant levels of energy to operate and maintain the building, operate machinery, and power lighting. In turn, these buildings contribute significantly to carbon emissions, while also increasing the costs associated with these emissions. The good news is that there are several available federal and state programs that provide rebates to reduce energy consumption and help reduce these emissions. With these programs, businesses can significantly reduce energy costs, improve the durability of their equipment, and maintain equipment that is more likely to last longer. By implementing lighting-efficiency solutions like LEDs, businesses can save on energy costs and reduce their exposure to Hauff’s Triangle.
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