Idaho Falls Idaho - Rocky Mountain Power newsletter submission –
September 2015
Incentives help tire store change lighting
For more than 14 years, the Jack’s Tire & Oil, Inc. location in Idaho Falls has helped local commercial
trucking firms keep their semis and other large vehicles on the road with new tires and wheel alignments.
When it came to time to install new lighting, the tire service store looked to Rocky Mountain Power’s
wattsmart® Business program for help making a change that’s saving thousands of dollars in energy
costs annually.
The utility’s program offers cash back incentives and technical assistance for lighting and other
equipment upgrades that increase energy efficiency and exceed code requirements. Retrofit and new
construction projects are eligible.
Better light, no waiting
Business made all the difference in the decision to make lighting improvements throughout the 5,000square-foot facility.
“Without the incentives, I wouldn’t have done it,” he said.
In the building’s shop area, old 400-watt ceramic metal halide lighting was replaced with qualified highefficiency T5 fluorescent lighting. The new lighting provides better illumination and turns on immediately.
“We used to have a guy come in 30 to 35 minutes early to turn on the lights so they could be warmed up
in time to open,” said Clifford. “In the winter, it was even worse – it took an hour.”
And now? “Instant light,” he said.
Offices and other areas had outdated T12 fluorescent lighting with magnetic ballasts replaced with
qualified high-efficiency T8 fluorescent lighting with electronic ballasts. Old 60-watt incandescent lighting
in a storage area and the facility’s entry was updated to super-efficient 12- and 13-watt LEDs.
The improved efficacy of the new lighting allowed the facility to install fewer fixtures and get the same
amount of light.
Clifford said employees are especially pleased with the changes. “My guys love it out in the shop – they
say it’s the difference between day and night,” he said. “That’s how bright it is out in the shop now.”
Savings now and in the long run
Clifford said he’s happy with the other results as well. The new lighting at the Idaho tire service store is
saving nearly 24,170 kilowatt-hours a year in electricity and more than $2,260 in energy costs annually.
The store earned a Rocky Mountain Power incentive of nearly $4,200, lowering the project’s simple
payback from more than 7 years to 5½ years.
Clifford said he also thinks about the long-term cost benefits for everyone when business and residential
customers make energy-saving upgrades.
“By staying efficient, we’re helping the power company manage the infrastructure it has now,” he said.
For more information about wattsmart Business technical services and cash incentives for energy
efficiency projects, visit wattsmart.com.