Your humble editor sat down with Peter Jacobson, Lighting Specialist, Con-Ed at the ELS EXPO being held at the Metropolitan Pavilion.
Editor: What is the latest discussion regarding rebates for T8 LED tubes?
Peter: We need to get rid of rebates on all types of tubes. The end user is better served when the entire fixture is replaced. The whole tube thing was really a stop-gap measure to save energy, but there are so many better solutions that LED tubes should no longer be incentified. And they are commonplace, so why incentify something that is already adopted?
Editor: With the huge reduction in energy that LEDs offer, lighting now represents a much smaller portion of a building’s overall energy costs. Are controls still cost viable?
Peter: Absolutely, we proved that in our own Con-Ed buildings. The cost of the controls can be recouped from the additional energy saved. In our buildings, where we retrofitted and added controls, we have up to 75% energy savings—and we improved the visual acuity. I am a very strong proponent of energy controls. In addition, we are seeing landlords now marketing controls in the buildings they lease. Tenants want the ability to control lighting and landlords understand this.
Editor: How do you see the industry today and is consolidation a good thing?
Peter: I think it is. Companies are positioned to better serve customers in a more professional manner because the industry is not as fragmented.. Big companies are getting bigger and that makes it easier for building managers. They have more confidence that they can work with one company and get everything done.
Editor: What is your opinion of the June AMA announcement regarding the harmful effects to health of cool temperature LEDs?
Peter: I think the report was probably not helpful. I come down on the side of the LRC, which challenges the findings of the report. However, New York City was very quick to adopt those findings and they have changed their roadway specification to 3000K.
Editor: What percent of the NYC market has switched to LED?
Peter: It’s minor still, probably less than 20%. There is plenty of opportunity in the market for LEDs and even more opportunity for controls. Also, controls are less complicated and less costly, making them more viable than ever.