Replacing old metal hallide lights with energy-efficient LED lights isn’t cheap – but if you’re a member of a not-for-profit electric cooperative, it may be more affordable than you think. Thanks to Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative’s (PPEC) Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Custom Lighting Program, companies receiving electricity from the co-op, like aluminum smelter Superior Aluminum Alloys, are eligible for rebates when making significant energy-efficient lighting upgrades.
Superior Aluminum Alloys, located in New Haven, Indiana, recently took advantage of this program, receiving a $15,000 check from PPEC after finishing installation of 126 new LED lights to replace old metal hallide lights. In total, the company reduced its energy use by 81,000 watts – reducing the initial wattage by 64%.
Founded in 1997 by OnmiSource as an outlet for scrap aluminum collected through its operations, Superior Aluminum Alloys was included as part of the 2007 acquisition of OmniSource by Steel Dynamics, Inc. According to their website, they offer a variety of shapes and alloys, including molten metal, 3% and 1% alloys, low-copper alloys, piston alloys, and more.
PPEC’s C&I Custom Lighting Program allows commercial and industrial members to apply for rebates toward energy-efficiency lighting projects, handing over a max contribution of $15,000 per project. Participating members who meet the requirements of the program are eligible to receive up to two rebates, which may not exceed 50 percent of each project’s total cost (excluding labor). Rebates are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pre-approval is required by sending an application to PPEC Energy Advisor Peter Niagu at pniagu@ppec.coop. To learn more about the program, visit https://ppec.coop/rebate-programs/.
