May 2007 Rebate Report: Spotlight: Lighting Controls

Products

Making efficient lighting more affordable

Many utilities and other agencies that offer energy-efficient comMmercial lighting incentives also offer incentives for lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors, high-low switches, and daylighting/dimming systems.

Of these options, occupancy sensors are the most straightforward. They use infrared or ultrasonic technology to ensure that lighting energy is not wasted on unoccupied spaces. The cost effectiveness of these controls is greatly increased when the sensors switch more than one ballast or luminaire. In fact, some programs that address fluorescent lighting stipulate that each control must operate two, three, or even four ballasts to be eligible for an incentive.

High-low switching and daylighting/dimming control systems are both more sophisticated and more expensive than occupancy sensors. These advanced systems sense both occupancy and ambient light levels in a space, adjusting lighting levels (and lighting power) accordingly. The cost-effectiveness of any control system will be determined by a variety of factors, including the system’s installed cost, the size of the lighting load controlled, and

the amount of time that artificial lighting levels can be reduced without compromising the operating requirements of a given space. The following eight incentive programs (seven prescriptive and one custom) represent typical incentives for lighting control technologies.

Spotlight on Lighting Controls

Visit our Rebate Report page for archived Rebate Reports, featuring direct links to incentives, program details, rebate applications, and more.

NOTE: Incentives amounts are per sensor/control and intended for fluorescent lighting systems unless otherwise noted. Some revised state energy codes that require sensors/controls in new construction may preclude utilities from offering incentives for lighting controls in new buildings. *Sensor/control must control at least two ballasts **Sensor/control must control at least three ballasts ***Sensor/control must control at least four ballasts Minimum controlled wattage for sensor/control varies by utility and new vs. existing construction (see websites for more details)

PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON, SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC – CA • www.pge.com • www.sce.com • www.sdge.com

PROGRAM: Commercial Lighting Program

PROGRAM: DETAILS: Incentives apply to hard-wired passive infrared and/or ultrasonic occupancy sensors that control interior luminaires only. Integrated sensors in high bay fixtures must be permanently installed in luminaire and control all lamps in luminaire. Photocells may be built-in or stand-alone and must switch outdoor lighting on at dusk and off at dawn. Time clocks must control lighting equipment and have threehour battery back-up. For outdoor lighting without photocell, astronomical time clocks (where on-off time follows sunset and sunrise) are required . Program is intended for existing buildings.

MINNESOTA POWER – MN • www.mnpower.com

PROGRAM: PowerGrant

PROGRAM DETAILS: For both existing buildings and new construction. Minnesota Power may require pre- and post-energy use verification.

NYSERDA – NY • www.nyserda.org

PROGRAM: New Construction Program

PROGRAM DETAILS: Wall- and ceiling-mount occupancy sensors must be hard-wired passive infrared and/or ultrasonic units. Occupancy sensors with manual “ON” override capability are not eligible. Daylight controlled dimming must consist of a photosensor and be continuous or stepped at four or more levels. Power consumption of occupancy controlled high-low switching in “low” mode cannot exceed 60% of full load. Daylighting and high-low switching systems controlled by “On/Off” overrides are not eligible.

FOCUS ON ENERGY – WI • www.focusonenergy.com

PROGRAM: Efficient Lighting

PROGRAM DETAILS: Installation of occupancy sensors are for existing buildings only. High-low switching and luminaires with integrated sensors are intended for use with high intensity fluorescent (HIF) lighting systems and apply to both new and existing construction.

ENERGY TRUST OF OREGON – OR • www.energytrust.org

PROGRAM: Standard Incentives for Lighting

PROGRAM DETAILS: For existing buildings, project must reduce energy consumption by at least 25%. A bonus incentive of $15 per ballast is available for dimmable electronic ballasts. For new construction, wall- and ceiling-mount occupancy sensors must be hardwired passive infrared and/or ultrasonic units. Occupancy, daylighting, and high-low switching sensors with non-resetting “ON” override are not eligible. “Low” mode must not exceed 50% of full-load for occupancy controlled high-low switching.

NATIONAL GRID - NARRAGANSETT ELECTRIC, NANTUCKET ELECTRIC, MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC – RI, MA • www.nationalgridus.com

PROGRAM: Energy Initiative (existing) and Design 2000plus (new)

PROGRAM DETAILS: Sensors/controls with manual “ON” or override switches are not eligible. Daylight controlled dimming must be continuous or stepped to a minimum of 4 levels. Power consumption of occupancy controlled high-low switching in “low” mode cannot exceed 60% of full load.

SURE BET – NEVADA POWER, SIERRA PACIFIC – NV, CA • www.nevadasurebet.com • www.californiasurebet.com

PROGRAM: Prescriptive Lighting

PROGRAM DETAILS: Occupancy sensors must be hardwired passive infrared and/or ultrasonic units that control interior luminaires only. Wall box sensors can control no more than 500 watts. Wall- or ceiling-mount sensors can control no more than 1000 watts.

AUSTIN ENERGY – TX • www.austinenergy.com

PROGRAM: Commercial Rebate Program – Automatic Lighting Control

PROGRAM DETAILS: Incentives available for infrared, ultrasonic, or acoustic occupancy sensors and daylight systems. Incentive amount is based on number of kilowatts reduced by measure and includes air conditioning use reduction.

Rebate Report is generated by the Financial Incentives National Database (F.I.N.D.) exclusively for Energy & Power Management. Copyright 2007 RealWinWin, Inc. The data contained herein are provided for information purposes only. Accuracy is not guaranteed as programs are subject to change. RealWinWin disclaims any liability resulting from discrepancies. Visit www.realwinwin.com for further information. Submit inquiries to info@realwinwin.com or call (866) 799-FIND.