Boone's energy rebate program: A bright idea for local businesses

How many people did it take to screw in 120 light bulbs at Slumberland Furniture in north Columbia?
It took two contractors, along with two representatives from Boone Electric Cooperative and a store owner who supervised the changing of the lights on May 24. But the bright idea will save the furniture store more than $4,000 in annual energy costs, and the utility helped cover the cost of the new bulbs and fixtures.

Slumberland signed up for Boone Electric’s energy conservation program, which gives commercial and industrial customers rebates when they switch to energy-efficient lighting.
The rebate program, Light for Less, began last July and is scheduled to continue through the end of the year, according to Chris Rohlfing, member services manager. Boone Electric provides a rebate amounting to 40 percent of the costs of energy-efficient bulbs and light fixtures.
Mid-America Harley Davidson, Harrisburg School Systems and Midway Arms have also participated in the Light for Less program and converted their lighting.
Columbia Public Schools that fall into Boone Electrical coverage area are considering participating in the program this year, Rohlfing said.
Slumberland switched 136 incandescent 75-watt bulbs with 120 LED 18-watt bulbs to light its showroom. Before the switch, Slumberland changed its light bulbs every four to six months. The new LED lights last about 10 years.
Store owner Christopher Kassing said the new lighting is more than a long-term savings tactic; lighting with LED bulbs is complementary to their products. “People get a better feel for the colors,” he said. “With the windows, sometimes the colors get washed out.” The LED lights come in a variety of colors and brightness levels.
By replacing one-eighth of the inefficient lighting in its building, Slumberland expects to save more than $4,000 on its light bill. “That’s about the cost of all the lights we replaced,” Kassing said.
LED bulbs don’t put out as much heat as incandescent bulbs, so the store’s air conditioning costs will go down.
Rick Rowden of H&H Industries, who managed the installation for Slumberland, estimated the company would save $2,670 a year in air conditioning costs if the entire building were furnished with the LED lights.
Contractors are benefiting from the program as well. The rebate only covers hardware and not labor, so companies usually hire contractors for larger jobs.
Rowden uses the program as a sales tactic; he visits companies and informs them about the rebate program. “From a business standpoint, it helps increase visibility,” Rowden said. “It’s an ideal situation for everybody.”
Companies interested in the program can ask the utility for an energy analysis. After customers determine the number and type of bulbs and fixtures that would be replaced, Boone Electric estimates the rebate and the annual energy savings.
The maximum rebate is $30,000 per year. A minimum of 10 light fixtures must be replaced to qualify for the program.
Light for Less is sponsored by Boone Electric’s power supplier, Associated Electrical Cooperative. The cooperative said it benefits from customers switching to more efficient lighting because it reduces the need to build another high-cost power plant.