State Light Project Seeks to Save Both Energy and Dollars
Press Release
State Light Project Seeks to Save Both Energy and Dollars
PIERRE - If you could save nearly $7,700 a year by changing light fixtures, would you? If your answer is "yes," then it matches that of the State Energy Manager.
Michele Farris, State Energy Manager with the Office of the State Engineer, said her office provided funding to replace 864 light fixtures in the Foss Building and 55 fixtures in the Bureau of Administration Building. The old fixtures - magnetic ballast with four fluorescent bulbs - were replaced with fixtures featuring an electronic ballast and two fluorescent bulbs.
The new bulbs give off a blue, or cooler, light than the yellow, or warmer, light provided by the old fluorescent bulbs. The new lights provide a better quality lighting, closer to natural sunlight, at a reduced energy cost.
Too much artificial lighting, as well as insufficient lighting, can cause eye strain. "Lumen readings showed that most areas were overlit for office work," said Farris. "Providing more light than is necessary for office work requires more energy."
Farris said the change reduced lumen levels closer to the industry standard for office spaces of between 30-50 lumens. Preliminary tests show a 60 percent reduction in energy consumption, she said, which will result in a yearly savings of nearly $7,700.
Earlier this month, Gov. Mike Rounds proclaimed Oct. 3 Energy Star Change a Light Day in South Dakota. In making the announcement he noted that if every household in the state replaced one incandescent bulb with an energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting bulb, it would save enough energy to light all the households in Pierre for nearly 1½ years.
"Switching to energy efficient lighting is a step many people can take," said Farris. "Whether it's in your home or a building that houses numerous state government offices, steps like this serve to stretch energy resources, save money, and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gases."
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