Lighting Retrofit Program

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The PUD's lighting retrofit program helps owners and leaseholders of commercial and institutional facilities upgrade light fixtures, lighting controls and HVAC controls to energy efficient technologies.

Our program offers cash incentives for installation of approved energy-saving upgrades. Material specifications and requirements are provided to ensure quality work. Participants are responsible for properly disposing of removed materials, such as fluorescent tubes and ballasts, in a manner that complies with all regulations. Many lighting contractors offer such disposal services.

Eligible customers

Commercial and institutional facilities served by the PUD are eligible for this program. Projects must reduce the connected wattage of affected fixtures by at least 25% (occupancy sensors and programmable setback thermostats are exempt from this requirement). All projects shall utilize products that are ENERGY STAR® rated, if available. Cash incentives shall not exceed 70% of the actual cost of the energy-saving measures.

Project Steps

  1. Request a facility lighting audit from the PUD to develop a list of lighting upgrades that are eligible for rebates.
  2. The PUD will meet with you to review the eligible measures, how the program works and answer any questions you may have.
  3. The PUD will provide you a current list of lamps and ballasts that are approved by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency.
  4. Solicit proposals from licensed electrical contractors.  For a list of contractors who are familiar with the PUD's program and its requirements, please visit http://northwest-lighting.org/TradeAlly.aspx
  5. After you have selected a contractor, send their proposal to the PUD for review.  The PUD then send you an agrement that must be signed before the project commences.
  6. Notify the PUD when the project is complete.
  7. The PUD will conduct a verification audit, inspect materials & installation and process your rebate upon receipt of the required documentation.

Rebate Requirements

  1. The PUD’s Energy Experts must complete a pre-work audit and a post-work inspection.
  2. The installed equipment must meet program requirements and specifications.
  3. The rebate items listed must be installed and operational.
  4. The project must achieve a 25% or greater Watt reduction.
  5. Rebates cannot exceed 70% of the actual cost of the energy saving measures.
  6. You must submit documentation of proper ballast and lamp disposal.

Recycling Information

Fluorescent and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting contain trace amounts of mercury and other toxic materials. Lamps and ballasts should always be disposed of properly. For more information, contact the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Hazardous Waste Program at (503) 229-5913.

Download a fact sheet on proper disposal of waste lamps and ballasts from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. 

Contractor Information

See a list of qualifying lamps and ballasts from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (Follow this link then click on Qualifying Lamps, 120 and 227 volt ballasts)

Use BPA's lighting calculator to estimate your lighting rebate (Follow this link then click on  Lighting Calculator 2.30 in the Resources box on the right side of the page.)