|
The use of lighting is a constant presence in everyday life. Energy efficient lighting can be the most cost-effective and easiest way to conserve energy in the home and in businesses. In homes, lighting can consume 15% of a household's electricity use.
With the use of new lighting technologies or simple lighting controls such as dimmers or sensors, the electricity use can be greatly reduced. In commercial buildings, lighting can consume 25-30% of electricity use. With lighting upgrades, energy use can be reduced in addition to increasing productivity. The information below represents a sample of the resources available on efficient lighting and utility programs.
|
|
Programs at Public Power Utilities
Moorhead Public Service encourages residents to Take the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge and receive a free 15-watt compact fluorescent lamp. The utility also offers rebates to commercial and industrial customers who install high-efficiency lighting.
Burlington Electric Department offers residential and commercial customers the opportunity to lease and own compact fluorescent bulbs through its' Smartlight program. The utility also offers a lighting analysis service for outdoor lighting.
Many more public power systems offer lighting conservation tips, rebate and other incentives to install efficient lighting including Colorado Spring Utilities, Marshfield Utilities and Pascoag Utility District.
Additional Resources and Publications
ENERGY STAR Program- a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping consumers to save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices
Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Lighting Section- offers a wealth of information on lighting terms, types of lighting controls, lighting maintenance, etc.
National Lighting Bureau - is a nonprofit organization founded to educate lighting decision-makers. Offers many publications including The Energy Policy Act of 2005 - New Tax Incentives Make High-Benefit Lighting Less Expensive Than Ever Before
Lighting Research Center - is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It is a university-based research center devoted to lighting and offers graduate education in lighting. the center's programs cover a range of activities including both laboratory testing of lighting products and real-world demonstration and evaluation of lighting products and designs.
Lighting Controls Association - is an association dedicated to educating the professional building design, construction and management communities about the benefits and operation of automatic switching and dimming controls. The association offers a free e-newsletter and useful information like a recent article on the IRS Issues Guidance for Implementing the Commercial Buildings Deduction
|
