Tim and Terry Green, owners and operators of Lee’s Summit, Missouri-based Temp Stop, are doing a raze and rebuild next to their current location. While exploring lighting options and requirements, they learned that the City of Lee’s Summit was in the process of updating their lighting ordinance. As the “GO GREEN” movement is still somewhat new, Temp Stop and the City decided to partner in conducting a test on the effectiveness and cost efficiencies associated with utilizing a LED lighting system. They decided to run the test at their existing location.
“It was good timing on our part,” said Tim. “As the concept of going green is so new to our industry—and to many municipalities—it gave us all an opportunity to see first-hand what the benefits, and ramifications, might be in order to move forward with our plans.”
The canopy lighting at the current location was upgraded from inefficient 320 watt metal halide fixtures to 50 watt and 30 watt Lighting System Inc. (LSI) “LED CROSSOVER” fixtures. This unique, patented retail lighting approach, coupled with state-of-the-art Solid State LED technology, created a superior lighting project that looked brighter, using less energy. Before and after readings were taken and reflected a 90% savings (5.92 kilowatts per hour versus today’s 1.504 kw/h) on Temp Stop’s under canopy energy bill.
Tim and Terry were not only concerned with energy consumption costs, but also maintenance costs. Because of the highly efficient Driver/LED combination, estimated fixture life is 60,000+ hours, or 10 years. “We had no idea how much energy was lost with the old bulbs. It was interesting to learn that the 320s lost half of their life after the first year. That’s something that won’t happen with the LEDs,” he said.
Since conducting the test, Tim and Terry Green have learned that KCP&L has rebate programs in place that could pay up to half the cost for upgrades. There are requirements, of course, such as submitting estimated costs and getting pre-approved, but the substantial savings in energy costs are a good motivator.
“We really want other operators in the area to know that they have options and that the research could pay off. LED lighting is definitely something they should explore, both from an energy standpoint, as well as a maintenance standpoint. We recommend they check with their City and energy providers to see if they also have programs to take advantage of,” he continued.
For the new Temp Stop location next door, Tim and Terry have already decided to use a mixture of LED and traditional lighting. They will be working with KCP&L this time and taking advantage of their rebate program. They are also replacing bulbs at another location and plan to continue exploring their options.
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