Commonwealth Edison’s best kept money-saving secret is hereby revealed: A film, broadcast or theatre company switching to LED and other types of energy efficient lights is entitled to valuable cash rebates through ComEd’s Smart Ideas for Your Business® Program.
The Smart Ideas program is administered through Barbizon Lighting whose sales associates Andrea Staley and Brandianne Irle recently completed the ComEd certification workshop that enables them to take customers through the rebate application process.
“To the best of our knowledge,” says Staley, “we’re the only local lighting dealer offering these rebates to customers.”
Barbizon offers discounts to ComEd’s business customers on purchases of reduced wattage LED lights, compact fluorescent, fluorescent and ceramic metal halide lamps, induction fixtures and lighting controls.
Incentives for T12-to-T8 upgrades and other fluorescent retrofits are also available.
In addition, Barbizon is promoting a variety of energy-efficient lamp types that will cut electricity use without going through the rebate application process.
“The rewards are worth it, in terms of energy and money-saving lighting and the rebates, that can range from 10% to as high as 45% in cash,” says Peter McNamee, Boston-based Barbizon general manager of both Boston and Chicago branches, who has been certified by Boston utilities since 1996 and has helped dozens of companies receive meaningful rebates for going green.
Utility companies have been mandated on the federal level to encourage energy efficiency through taxes, he notes. Utilities have money available for these energy-efficiency programs that derive from a small, unnoticed tax, such as “Energy Efficiency Programs” listed on ComEd bills under “Taxes and Other.”
“As the vendor, we can help you design a package that does what you want and qualifies for a rebate,” McNamee explains. “As a vendor, we receive the utility’s training on what is appropriate and we can make recommendations to customers for these particular LED lights.
“We calculate the usage, figure what the rebate on the fixture is worth and apply that discount on the invoice. The government/utility pays the cost savings directly to the customer.”
Barbizon Lighting Chicago, one of 17 Barbizon locations, is projected as having its best year ever in its 15 years of doing business here, says McNamee. He expects to add an additional two persons to the current staff of four.
Barbizon Chicago is located at 2525 Elston; phone 773/276-8500.
