The city of Lone Tree has initiated a rebate program to help small businesses cover 100 percent of the cost replacing older T12 fluorescent lights with more efficient T5 and T8 lights.
The city said today that it is working with Xcel Energy and its partner Franklin Electric to implement the program.
Lone Tree said it has budgeted approximately $50,000 for the project, which is being offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The city noted that the manufacture of the T12 fluorescent lights is being phased out in 2012 because of their inefficiency. The businesses eventually will no longer be able to replace T12 fixtures.
By combining Xcel Energy’s rebate and the Lone Tree rebate, small businesses will be able to replace the outdated T12 lights at no cost to the business, the city said.
Once installed, the new lights will use approximately 40 percent less electricity, lowering monthly electric bills for the businesses.
Lone Tree said it will work with building owners and tenants to accomplish the changeover.
It said that the first step is to have Franklin Electric come to the business and conduct a free lighting audit. Franklin will prepare a report on how many T12 lights need to be replaced and other changes that might be made to lighting equipment and the overall cost.
At that point the business or the landlord of the business can select a qualified contractor to install the new lights and related equipment.
The contractor will submit the required Xcel Energy rebate form and the Lone Tree rebate formwith an invoice to the city for full payment.
The city will pay for all of the work done and then collect the rebate of up to 75 percent of project cost from Xcel.
There is no out-of-pocket cost to the business owner or the landlord, the city said.
More information can be obtained from iLona Major, Lone tree’s sustainability coordinator at 303-708-1818.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com.
