Overall Energy Consumption
Overall Energy Consumption | Lighting Upgrades | Electrical | Crab Orchard
Across Crab Orchard, HEP is reshaping the way homes and businesses use electricity, cutting waste one fixture at a time. Our team studies every watt your building consumes, then designs precise lighting upgrades that swap outdated bulbs and ballasts for high-efficiency LEDs and smart controls. The result is an immediate drop in kilowatt-hours, a softer hit to your utility bill, and brighter, more comfortable spaces for the people who live and work in them.
But the benefits don’t stop at the meter. By reducing maintenance cycles, lowering HVAC loads, and shrinking carbon footprints, these projects pay dividends long after installation day. From downtown storefronts to hillside residences, Crab Orchard is discovering that sustainable lighting isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also a smart investment in community growth and resilience.
FAQs
Why should I consider an energy-efficient lighting upgrade in Crab Orchard?
Lighting typically accounts for 20–40 % of a building’s electricity use. Upgrading to modern LEDs, smart controls, and optimized fixture layouts can cut that portion in half or more, lowering overall utility bills, reducing maintenance expenses, and improving light quality and safety. In Crab Orchard, where commercial power rates average about 11–12¢ / kWh, every kilowatt-hour saved translates quickly into real dollars.
How much can I realistically save on my electric bill by switching to LEDs?
Savings depend on operating hours and existing technology, but most clients in the Crab Orchard area who replace T12 or metal-halide fixtures with high-efficiency LEDs see 50–70 % lower lighting kWh use. For example, a facility running 100 metal-halide high bays (400 W each) 3,000 hours a year can save roughly 90,000 kWh annually—about $9,900 at local rates—after converting to 150 W LED high bays.
Are there rebates or tax incentives available locally for lighting upgrades?
Yes. The Tennessee Valley Authority’s EnergyRight® program, offered through Plateau Electric Cooperative serving Crab Orchard, pays per-fixture rebates for qualifying LED retrofits and advanced controls. Federal tax deductions under IRS Section 179D may also apply for commercial buildings achieving certain efficiency thresholds. Our team handles all paperwork to ensure you capture every available incentive.
Will new LED fixtures work with my existing wiring and controls?
In most cases, yes. Many retrofit lamps and troffers are designed for one-for-one replacement using the current wiring. Where existing dimmers or occupancy sensors are present, we verify compatibility or recommend low-cost driver or control swaps. For older magnetic-ballast systems, we remove the ballast and wire the LED driver directly to line voltage for higher reliability and code compliance.
How long does a typical lighting upgrade take and will it disrupt operations?
A small office retrofit can be completed in a single day, while large industrial facilities may require one to two weeks. Our installers work in zones during off-peak hours, use lift equipment with minimal footprint, and clean work areas daily. Most businesses in Crab Orchard remain fully operational throughout the project with only brief localized shutdowns.
What is the expected payback period and lifespan of LED lighting?
With today’s LED prices and local rebates, simple payback for most Crab Orchard projects ranges from 1.5 to 3 years. LEDs are rated for 50,000–100,000 hours (11–22 years at 12-hour daily use), drastically reducing relamping and maintenance. After payback, every additional year delivers pure savings that improve your facility’s energy profile and bottom line.