FARMINGTON, Minn. (Aug. 31, 2007) — Dakota Electric Association today announced that through a partnership with Macy’s Burnsville, the suburban department store received an EnergyWise® energy-efficient rebate of $48,287 for a recent lighting upgrade.
As part of Macy’s promise to provide an outstanding shopping experience for its customers, including better and brighter, yet energy-efficient lighting, the retailer worked with Dakota Electric Association on the lighting upgrade. Macy’s replaced older incandescent lights with newer, high-efficiency ceramic metal halide lights. The total savings on energy is estimated at 337,000 kWh, approximately enough electricity to power more than 30 homes for an entire year.
“Lighting accounts for nearly 50 percent of our electric bill, so a lighting upgrade that allowed us to provide better lighting and be more energy efficient was an easy decision for us,” said Larry Kunz, operating vice president, Facilities Maintenance for Macy’s North. “Our new lamps are two times brighter and use less energy, so we were able to easily meet both needs, and the rebate from Dakota Electric made it financially possible”
Because a lamp’s energy costs over a lifetime are much greater than the purchase price, spending more money up front for better lights will help companies save money over the life of the lights. These savings along with an EnergyWise® rebate from Dakota Electric can mean faster payback to companies that choose higher efficiency lights. Dakota Electric has awarded more than $136,000 this year to businesses, like Macy’s, that have made energy-efficient modifications or upgrades in their facilities.
A customer-owned, non-profit utility since 1937, Dakota Electric Association provides electricity to more than 99,000 members throughout Dakota County and portions of Goodhue, Rice and Scott counties. Dakota Electric, a Touchstone Energy Partner, serves its member/owners with integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.
