RG&E INCREASES INCENTIVES FOR COMMON-AREA LIGHTING UPGRADES IN QUALIFYING APARTMENT BUILDINGS

Rochester, NY – RG&E, a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, has increased incentives for energy efficiency upgrades of common-area lighting in 5- to 50-unit apartment buildings. RG&E will now pay 70% of the cost of hardwired fixture upgrades and 100% of the cost for the installation of screw-in light emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.

Simply switching to CFL or LED bulbs that use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times as long as comparable incandescent bulbs will help cut energy bills,” said Mark S. Lynch, president and CEO of RG&E. “Making the switch will also mean that we need to generate less electricity to meet demand and that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Begun in 2011 and funded by the System Benefits Charge on electricity customers’ bills, this program also includes the installation of free CFLs in up to six fixtures in apartments, and free installation of energy efficient showerheads and faucet aerators in apartments with electric water heaters.

Upon request, RG&E contractor RISE Engineering will conduct free lighting and water heater assessments of 5- to 50-unit apartment buildings. Owners or managers of qualifying properties with RG&E electricity service may request an assessment by contacting RISE Engineering (1.800.444.5668) or RG&E ( 800.995.9525). Apartment buildings with less than 5 units or more than 50 units per building are not eligible for this program, but may be eligible for other state-funded energy programs.