LES' Sustainable Energy Program Is Back to Help Customers Save Money, Energy

Lincoln Electric System customers are invited to take advantage of the $2 million in incentive funds available to make their homes and businesses more energy efficient through the Sustainable Energy Program, which kicks off Feb. 1, said J. Todd Hall, vice president of Consumer Services.

Hall said that in the first two years of the program, more than 5,000 residential customers and nearly 400 commercial customers have participated. As an example of the possible savings, customers who took part in last year's High-Efficiency Heat Pump and Air Conditioner program could see an annual savings of 10-15 percent on their electric bills, Hall said. Customers who participated in the 2010 Commercial and Industrial Lighting Retrofit program also could save between 10-15 percent.

The combined energy and demand reductions of customers taking part in the program have prevented more than 19,000 tons of CO2 being released into the atmosphere and helps delay the need to acquire additional power generation, which benefit all customers, he said.

"LES customers who have participated in the Sustainable Energy Program have not only reduced their impact on the environment, they have spurred economic activity in our community," Hall said. "Since the program's inception, LES customers have spent nearly $15 million on energy-efficient equipment and/or services provided by local participating contractors."

Hall said each year the program is reviewed to ensure it is effectively meeting customer needs and is evolving alongside technological advancements.

The program includes the following incentives for businesses:

- Lighting retrofit
- Air conditioner/heat pump
- Variable frequency drives replacement
- Compressed air system analysis
- Energy management systems installation or upgrade
- Systems commissioning

Please contact LES to apply for financial incentives if your business is considering other peak demand and energy-efficiency measures.

The program also includes incentives for residential customers:

- Whole-House Sealing and Insulation
- High-Efficiency Heat Pump and Air Conditioner
- Energy Detective Program

In addition, the Commercial and Industrial Energy-Efficiency Innovation Grant will be funded in 2011, Hall said, and additional details will be available soon.

Some projects may qualify for a federal tax credit. To take advantage of the program, customers should contact contractors participating in the LES program. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The balance is updated regularly on LES’ Web site at www.les.com/.