Larch Corrections Center Earns Energy Incentives
Larch Corrections Center will receive nearly $22,000 from Clark County PUD through utility incentives by participating in an energy-saving program. When the facility lighting retrofit is complete the utility company will rebate back to the facility a portion of the energy saving dollars to offset the cost of new lighting equipment.
Attracted by the promise of new lighting technology to increase energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs, Larch worked directly with its utility to take advantage of rebates offered for lighting and small motor replacement projects. Clark County PUD offers to its customers up to 50 percent of the cost of replacement equipment.
The process for Larch was fairly simple. They contacted their utility who connected them with an approved lighting distributor that helped develop a scope of work and cost for the project. The lighting bid was submitted to the utility. A representative from the utility performed an onsite pre- installation inspection, or audit. After analyzing the numbers the utility agreed the work would produce significant energy savings and a participation agreement was written.
When the installation is completed by the facility the utility performs a post- installation inspection and then issues the incentive payments. The facility achieves lower operating costs. The Larch project was completed in three months.