Commercial Lighting LED: Government Incentives under the Energy Savings Scheme

Lighting upgrades are crucial for reduced energy consumption and costs. After all, lighting can consume up to 40% of the energy in commercial premises.

The New South Wales government’s lighting rebate programs, part of the Energy Savings Scheme and the the Home Energy Efficiency Retrofits, incentivize businesses and households to switch to energy-efficient lighting solutions like LEDs.

Why should businesses and households make the switch to energy-efficient lighting? The upgrades can achieve a return on investment from power savings within the first 5 months.

The NSW lighting rebates help businesses and households reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions, and adopt modern lighting technologies. They offer financial incentives for replacing inefficient lighting systems, thereby leading to lower energy bills and maintenance costs.

Efficient Energy Group provides energy-efficient lighting solutions that align with the NSW rebate program. Partnering with Efficient Energy Group allows businesses and households to maximize energy savings and quickly benefit from the program’s financial incentives.

Benefits of Switching to LEDs

The NSW rebate programs promote a variety of energy-saving technologies to help businesses reduce their energy consumption and costs. The technologies include advanced lighting systems, efficient fixtures, and smart controls designed to optimize energy use and improve lighting quality.

One of the key technologies supported by the program is LED lighting, which offers significant energy savings and environmental benefits, including:

• Energy Efficiency: LEDs use up to less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, significantly reducing electricity consumption and costs.
• Long Lifespan: LED bulbs last far longer than incandescent bulbs, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintenance efforts.
• Reduced Heat Emission: LEDs produce very little heat compared to incandescent bulbs, which helps lower air conditioning costs and reduces fire hazards.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: LEDs emit much less CO2 and do not contain toxic mercury, making them a more environmentally friendly lighting option.
• Improved Lighting Quality: LEDs offer better lighting quality with higher brightness, improved color rendering, and instant-on capabilities without flickering.

How can the lighting rebates help businesses?

Imagine an underground car park lighting that typically uses T8 twin fluorescent lights that are 72W per fitting. Replacing these with 25W LED battens can include sensors for further savings. The upgrade not only improves lighting quality but also requires ten times less maintenance.

Meanwhile, the incentives also can be applied to warehouse high bay lighting. Upgrading old 400W mercury high bay lights to 100W LEDs can achieve a return on investment within 4 months. The new LEDs provide better lighting quality and more lux, enhancing visibility and safety in the warehouse.

What Are the NSW Lighting Rebate Programs?

The NSW lighting rebates are initiatives under the ESS and the HEER programs, designed to encourage businesses and households to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting systems.

The key features of the lighting rebate programs include:

• Financial Incentives: Businesses and residents receive rebates that help cover the costs of purchasing and installing energy-efficient lighting systems.
• Expert Support: Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) assist businesses and residents in evaluating their lighting needs, selecting appropriate solutions, and ensuring compliance with the program’s requirements.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The programs support various types of lighting upgrades, including interior and exterior lighting for commercial, industrial, residential, and public use.

The HEER program specifically targets householders and small businesses, offering tailored support and incentives to help reduce energy consumption at home and in small commercial settings.

 By integrating both ESS and HEER programs, NSW ensures broad coverage and significant energy savings across various sectors.

Lighting Rebate Program Eligibility and Participation

The program supports a variety of lighting upgrades that contribute to significant energy savings. Covered lighting types might include:

• Replacing Old Fluorescent and Halogen Lights: Switching to energy-efficient LEDs.
• Upgrading to Induction Lamps: Suitable where frequent bulb replacement is challenging.
• Implementing Lighting Controls and Sensors: Includes occupancy sensors and timer controls.
• Utilizing Emerging Lighting Technologies: Must meet energy efficiency standards.

How to Participate in the Lighting Rebate Scheme

Businesses interested in participating in the NSW lighting rebate program can participate by following these steps:

1. Contact an Approved Supplier: Find an approved supplier in your region who will assess your eligibility and provide a quote.
2. Get Quotes and Select a System: Contact multiple suppliers to obtain quotes and compare options to ensure you get the best energy savings.
3. Choose an Approved Supplier: Select the system that best suits your needs and ensure the supplier is approved before any work begins.
4. Sign the Nomination Form: The supplier will provide a nomination form that must be signed before installation. This form ensures you are eligible for reimbursement.
5. Install the New Lighting: A licensed electrician will install your new lights, explain any special features, and recycle old equipment.
6. Enjoy the Benefits: Experience reduced energy costs and improved lighting quality. Contact your supplier for any further assistance.

Lighting Rebate Program Pricing and Incentives

The NSW lighting rebate program offers financial incentives to offset the costs of purchasing and installing new lighting, making it more feasible for businesses to undertake these upgrades.

The pricing structure and incentives vary based on the size of the business and the type of lighting being upgraded. Minimum payments are required for small, medium, and large energy users, including:

• Small Energy Users: Typically, small energy users are required to make a minimum payment of $30 excluding GST for lighting upgrades. This applies to businesses using under 8,350 kWh of electricity per month or 25,000 kWh per quarter.
• Medium and Large Energy Users: Medium and large energy users, who use more than 8,350 kWh of electricity per month or 25,000 kWh per quarter, have varying upgrade costs depending on site conditions and the types of products installed. Specific pricing details are provided by suppliers.

Efficient Energy Group offers specific pricing for various lighting upgrades under the NSW lighting rebate program. These prices – after the rebate – include installation and are designed to be highly competitive to encourage participation.

Small Business (HEER) Scheme:

To participate, households and small businesses must meet the following requirements at the specified costs::

• Eligibility: Power usage must be under 270 kWh per day (copy of the power bill required).
• Eligible Lighting Upgrades:
  • T8 Troffer Lights to LED: Free (including installation)
  • T8 Batten Lights to LED: $20 per fitting (including installation)
  • Halogen Downlights to LED: Free (including installation)
  • Co-Payment: $33
  • Minimum Requirement: 25 lights

Large Business (Commercial Lighting) Scheme:

Larger businesses have their own requirements and costs for commercial lighting upgrades:

• Eligibility: No power bill required.
• Eligible Lighting Upgrades:
  • Warehouse High Bay Lights to LED: $120 (including installation)
  • T8 Troffer Panel Lights to LED: $20 (including installation)
  • T8 Batten Lights to LED: $25 (including installation)
  • Flood Lights to LED: $150 (including installation)
  • Downlights to LED: $10 (including installation)
  • CFLs to LED: $15 (including installation)

Rebates Are Calculated Based on Energy Savings

Rebates are calculated based on the amount of energy savings achieved through the lighting upgrade.

The program provides greater incentives for upgrades that result in higher energy savings, encouraging businesses to select the most efficient lighting solutions.

The calculations take into account factors like the wattage reduction from the old lighting to the new lighting, the hours of operation, and the overall reduction in energy consumption.

By integrating the Efficient Energy Group’s pricing structure with the NSW Lighting Rebate Program’s incentives, businesses can achieve substantial financial benefits.

The upgrades not only reduce energy bills but also enhance lighting quality and decrease maintenance costs, offering a quick return on investment. Check your eligibility today.