EnergySolve Demand Response (EnergySolve) recently partnered with Southern California Edison (SCE), an investor-owned utility, on a two-year project to reduce lighting energy costs and therefore greenhouse gasses by distributing over 124,000 Aluminum Compact Fluorescent PAR Lamps (CFLs) directly to its customers, which reduced their annual energy bill by an estimated $5.5 million. Under the Lighting Energy-Efficiency PAR 38/30 Program (LEEP), EnergySolve was exclusively contracted to replace existing incandescent and halogen lamps with energy-efficient Compact Fluorescent PAR 30/38 Lamps (CFLs) in commercial and retail businesses in SCE territory. Over 50 restaurant partners participated in the program, ranging from single independent units, to regional multi-concept operators, to large national quick-service chains.

The lamps have an external aluminum housing acting as a heat-sink, which draws heat from the lamp and ballast thus protecting its 8,000 – 10,000 hour operating life. The CFL produces 75% energy savings and up to 300% maintenance savings when compared to existing halogen and incandescent lamps. Some specific benefits of the Aluminum Compact Fluorescent PAR Lamps include:

- rated lamp life of 8000-10000 hours, compared to incandescent and halogen lamps at 1500-2500 hours

- CFLs offer improved light levels, more even light distribution, and a higher Color Rendering Index (CRI).

- As much as 75% energy savings

- On average, one CFL will save 198 lbs of CO2 per year

- the patented aluminum reflector draws heat away from the lamp and ballast, thereby extending lamp life and safety

- CFLs are available in a number of different colors and temperatures

- Warranted for the rated life of the lamp

- PAR CFLs do not operate on dimmer switches

In addition to providing Aluminum PAR CFLs for customers, EnergySolve identifies the rebates or incentives that may be available in a utility territory. The PAR 38 lamp uses 23 watts, the PAR 30 lamp uses 15 watts and depending upon the level of rebate, the simple payback for this technology is very attractive, typically in the range of three months to six months.

Contact Retex MemberCare for Additional Information.