MGE Talks Business Newsletter - November/December 2005

Middleton Ford's V.P. David Hudson lights up at the savings from converting the lights in the showroom and service area (inset) to linear fluorescents. Additional savings are expected this spring when the parking and sales lots get an efficient lighting upgrade.

Last spring, area car dealer Middleton Ford requested an MGE energy audit to find energy-saving opportunities. "I've long been an advocate of energy efficiency and avoiding waste," said Middleton Ford's Vice President David Hudson. "But the current times prompted us to step up and pursue more ways to save energy and reduce our operating costs."

"This is another case where an energy audit offered an immediate impact on energy and cost savings," said Chris Favia, MGE marketing representative. Favia quickly determined that replacing nearly 100 high-bay metal halide fixtures could provide the dealership significant energy savings. "Our calculations suggested a possible savings approaching 50% if the business converted the existing fixtures to linear T-8 fluorescents bulbs," Favia said, adding, "The new lamps produce similar light levels and great color rendering."

By the end of 2009, the savings totaled about $9,900 from this conversion alone. Middleton Ford's Hudson was also happy to see that their up-front investment would likely pay for itself in reduced energy costs in only three years. "Our service people have commented on the dramatic improvement in light coverage, too," Hudson said, adding, "This should make the work area safer as well as more pleasant and productive."

The lighting upgrade continues this spring, targeting 90 exterior lighting fixtures that cover the sales lot and other parking areas. The existing lights were too powerful. In this case, the fixtures will not be replaced, only the lamps. Energy use will drop from 1,000 watts to 400 watts per fixture, while maintaining effective light coverage.

"Given that a third of these fixtures also operate as dusk-to-dawn lights, we estimate Middleton Ford will see an additional $14,000 in annual energy savings when the project is completed," Favia said. "We're saving now, and will continue to in the years ahead," Hudson affirmed.