Businesses Encouraged to Take Advantage of Limited-Time Lighting Rebate Increase

For businesses looking to reduce expenses in 2014, now is the best time to upgrade lighting to maximize SRP rebate dollars and energy savings. Lighting consumes up to 40 percent of a commercial facility’s energy and is typically the least expensive equipment to replace. It can be very cost-effective to take advantage of SRP’s rebates, which can help lighting projects pay for themselves in as little as a year.

Lighting Rebates

From now through April 30, 2014, SRP business customers are encouraged to take advantage of a special rebate increase to upgrade lighting and save on energy bills for years to come. SRP has increased the rebate amount from $300 to $350 for each kilowatt of reduced demand for all qualified SRP Standard Business Solutions program lighting projects. This limited-time 17 percent rebate increase is intended to help make energy-efficient lighting projects even more financially feasible for businesses.

Fluorescent lighting Rebates

This is also the best time to maximize rebate dollars for upgrading T12 fluorescent lighting systems. Effective May 1, 2014, SRP’s baseline and minimum lighting-efficiency requirements within the Business Solutions program will change, so act now to take advantage of the current standards.

Additionally, replacement costs for old T12 fluorescent lamps and ballasts may increase because of reduced supply. New federal standards required phasing out production of these lamps and ballasts. SRP business customers are encouraged to upgrade T12s now while rebates are at their highest levels.

SRP rebates cover all types of lighting, from fluorescents and LEDs to occupancy sensors and ceramic metal halide lamps. Customers may even qualify for a free lighting audit through the SRP Small Business Solutions program.

Think your lighting might be outdated? Here are some things to look for to determine if it’s time for an upgrade:

• The width of your fluorescent bulbs is greater than an inch. This means you’re using inefficient T12s. As of 2012, most T12 linear fluorescent bulbs no longer meet national energy-efficiency standards, and replacement bulbs will eventually become unavailable.
• Workspaces in your building have not had a lighting upgrade in the past four years.
• Your lighting flickers or makes excessive noise.

With lighting accounting for as much as 40 percent of a business’s energy bill, an upgrade can make a big impact.