Energy Efficiency News

Bibb County Courthouse Lighting Retrofit Project Saves $224,044 to Date

--The retrofit included the installation of 1700 updated T8 electronic ballasts (which replaced outdated T12 fixtures)

When Bibb County's Green Team made the decision to energy retrofit their 210,000 square foot courthouse complex three years ago, they knew that there would certainly be some environmental benefits, but they have been pleasantly surprised at the financial savings. Since 2008, Bibb County has saved a whopping $224,044 from its courthouse lighting retrofit. At a time when energy costs are on the rise, savings from lighting retrofits go right to your bottom line and increase revenue for other important projects.To see the lighting retrofit tracking results, visit the Bibb County Government's Green Team lighting retrofit results page:

Bibb County Lighting Retrofit Results

GACS Can Help You Lower Your Electricity Use With No Upfront Costs

Lighting Retrofit Program Still Has Funds Available For GACS Members

Utility costs continue to rise for Georgia businesses and convenience store operators are no different. As announced last year, GACS was selected to receive an energy grant to create a fund to help members reduce their energy lighting costs. A number of GACS members have taken advantage of this program, whose major incentive is that the work can be done with no upfront costs. Members only agree to pay back to the fund a portion of the savings created by the retrofitting and then, for a limited time. After then ALL savings go to the operator. Savings payments made to the fund are then utilized to provide additional funding for members.

What GACS Members Are Saying About the Retrofit Program

John Hubert - Chu's
“There is a noticeable upgrade in the brightness and color of lighting; the LED cooler lights pop out at you.”
“Customers and staff noticed a difference even driving up the street in the canopy lights...”
“Our electric bill for our Richmond Hill store has decreased dramatically...”
"I had taken for granted the lights I had. The tweaking that was done to the ceiling lights really changed the quality and tone of our store. It’s amazing what you can do with lighting.”
“Quick turnaround, and we are definitely seeing some savings. I recommend this to other convenience store owners.”

Keith Mangam - Zack's Food Rack
“I was surprised by the savings. The lights are brighter than before, with lower wattage, and my bills have decreased.”
“The process was easy. The technicians were cordial and professional, and didn’t interfere with business.”
“I very much encourage other stores to participate in this program.”
“Several customers and staff commented on the store being brighter, and the lights being a better color.”

What is the Payback and How Do I Apply?

Projects done already have had estimated paybacks of no more than 3 years, with most projects having paybacks around 2 years. For example, a project for a location costing approximately $8,000 has generated over $4,000 in annual savings going forward. To apply for your locations(s) to receive a lighting retrofit under this program, please contact Angela Holland at (770) 736-9723 and ask her to email you an application, or Download Lighting Application.

Energy & Environment to Retrofit Georgia Convenience Stores

Updated lighting in cooler displays has proven to greatly appeal to and draw in consumers

Atlanta, GA, October 21, 2010-Energy & Environment, LLC (E&E) has partnered with Outlaw Consulting, Inc. (Outlaw) to take advantage of a $450,000 stimulus award. The grant will provide E&E and Outlaw with the resources necessary to perform lighting retrofit projects at convenience stores throughout Georgia, and reduce the state's small business energy consumption. Funding for the massive project was provided by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) and the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The newly created program will focus on rapid payback energy efficiency lighting improvements and establishes a revolving loan fund to finance projects over multiple years. John Noel, President of Energy & Environment, sees the GEFA/ARRA support as vital to economic recovery. "These are the type of shovel ready projects the stimulus was meant to create. We're providing jobs, but we're also reducing long term energy consumption. It's a win-win for the state of Georgia..."

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Energy Retrofits for Commercial Buildings Could Save $41 Billion

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