Hi all,
I am looking for incentive rates from electricity supply companies in terms
of lighting retrofits. So, when I am opting for an option of changing 3-lamp
T12 magnetic ballast lighting fixture to 2-lamp super T8 electronic ballast
fixture, will this be considered under lighting retrofit or replacement?
Also, will the incentive include delamping rebate also?
Thanks in advance.
Sunayana Jain
Going from a 3-lamp to a 2-lamp set up would involve changing out the
fixture, and will typically be done for the entire space together. Such a
replacement of lighting, where all/many fixtures being replaced are still
functioning, is classified as a retrofit. In general, a retrofit involves
replacement before the end of life. The contrasting scenario is called
replace-on-fail (aka replace on burnout) where you change lamps/ fixtures as
they die out. (Not typically done for lighting). What is described here is
therefore a retrofit.
Utility rebate structures vary by utility and are decided based on utility
budgets, program structure (simple rebate versus custom lighting program for
example), aggressiveness of energy savings goals and cost of the retrofit
among other things. A common scenario for commercial lighting retrofits is a
simple rebate program with a set incentive per fixture. This would typically
cover a portion of the expected cost including materials and labor (and any
additional O&M)-- the calculation of which should include delamping-- but
only a portion is covered by rebate. Let's say the new lighting fixture cost
is $60 and labor is $20. That's $80 upgrade cost. Let's say the utility pays
$50 rebate. Whether this rebate covers the cost of delamping per se is
arguable but the 'basis' for calculating the rebate should include it.
Hope that helps.
Smita Chandra
There might also be some specific terminology/procedures used by the state
program you are looking at as far as retrofit/replacement.
For instance in ComEd territory the Smart Ideas incentive might be two
parts, one for converting lamp and ballasts to more efficient models, and a
separate incentive for permanent removal of a lamp through addition of a
reflector. They use the word ?replace? in the description, even though
someone else had replied to your post with an alternate definition.
Other utility programs may or may not also incentivize new lamps, or it may
be included in the initial ballast and fixture upgrade.
The answer I think could vary depending on which utility program you are
using.
*David S. Eldridge, Jr.**, P**.**E**.**, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP, HBDP*
*From:* bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:
bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] *On Behalf Of *sunayana jain
*Sent:* Wednesday, October 06, 2010 9:49 PM
*To:* bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
*Subject:* [Bldg-sim] Lighting fixture retrofit or replacement
Hi all,
I am looking for incentive rates from electricity supply companies in terms
of lighting retrofits. So, when I am opting for an option of changing 3-lamp
T12 magnetic ballast lighting fixture to 2-lamp super T8 electronic ballast
fixture, will this be considered under lighting retrofit or replacement?
Also, will the incentive include delamping rebate also?
Thanks in advance.
Sunayana Jain
Thanks Smita and David for your reply. Your explanation is really helpful.
Thank You,
Sunayana Jain