The evolution of energy saving lighting products had begun since the invention of compact fluorescent lamps to LEDs. To speed up the adoption of these new technologies, the utility companies offered various rebate & incentive programs to the early adopters. Such programs had helped to quicken the transition period from traditional incandescent to fluorescent & HID to LED lighting.
In the past, rebate programs were not available for LED-to-LED lighting upgrades. But that is about to change.
LED technology has improved since it was introduced in the past decade. Both LED efficacy and light quality have significantly improved. In addition to that, newer LED fixtures come with advanced sensors and controls which translate to more savings.
According to the DLC (Design Lights Consortium) technical requirements data in the 2015 DLC (version 3.1), the efficacy measured in lumens per watt (LPW) was 100 for 4-foot tubes, 85 for 2×4 troffers and 80 for high bays. Currently, the 2025 DLC (version 5.1) shows significant improvements.
The efficacy improvement means that newer LED fixtures or bulbs may use lower electricity to deliver the same light output, which provides energy savings. For example, a decade ago, NaturaLED round High Bay LED-FXHB200/50K/IP67 drew 200w to deliver 20,000lm. Compared to our latest NaturaLED round High Bay HBR13/240S/110/8C2/BK-Z10 which only needed 150w power to deliver 21,000lm, a 25% energy savings with higher lumens output.
In general, most LED fixtures that were installed around a decade ago are beginning to face their end of life (L70). Energy savings alone might not justify the cost to re-lamp or fixture replacement, but since the LED fixtures are facing their end of life, now there are more customers wanting to replace their “old” LED fixtures.
Utility Rebate Programs for LED-to-LED replacements.
Currently, there are more and more utility companies beginning to introduce LED to LED replacement rebate programs. Typically, custom and midstream rebate programs are the most accommodating of LED to LED upgrades.
-Custom rebates: they typically offer incentives based on calculated energy savings.
-Midstream or instant rebates: they typically don’t ask about existing lighting, but they require customers to ensure compliance with all program rules by working with distributors at the point of sale.
These are some of current programs that are being offered by the utility companies:
- Avista in Idaho and Washington now offers rebates for TLED to TLED replacements. Based on energy reduction.
- – 3-4w reduction (rebate amount is $3/lamp).
- – 5w or more reduction (rebate amount is $5/lamp).
- Xcel Energy in Minnesota now offers rebates for LED tubes & High bays
- Offers rebate of $3/lamp (regardless of fluorescent or earlier generation LED tubes).
- Offers rebate of $75/fixture of LED High Bays.
- PSE&G in New Jersey offers rebates for LED to LED upgrades under custom program only.
- Efficiency Vermont in the State of Vermont offers rebates for LED fixtures & lamps.
All in all, the adoption of LED lighting will continue to rise across the U.S. The rebate programs for LED to LED upgrades are expected to grow in popularity. With the addition of advanced controls and sensors, the future of lighting incentives will offer greater energy savings and better performance.
