Lighting generates revenue

Energy Savings Certificates issued for energy-efficient lighting

IPART recently endorsed energy-efficient lighting upgrades carried out by EELCO - The Energy Efficient Lighting Company, by deeming many of its projects as able to generate revenue under the NSW Government’s Energy Savings Scheme (ESS).

The ESS aims to encourage more efficient and productive use of electricity by allowing companies to create Energy Savings Certificates (ESC or ‘eskies’) for power savings from project investments since 1 July 2008. These ESCs can then be sold to generate revenue to help improve the return on the investments.

Gazal Apparel’s energy-efficient lighting upgrade of its Banksmeadow, NSW, distribution facility (featured in the Sustainability Matters Dec 2009/Jan 2010 issue) had already provided a substantial return on investment from electricity running cost savings. When contacted earlier in the year to be part of the pilot program, Company Secretary Peter Wood was delighted to be involved and commented: “Gazal has always tried to do its bit for the environment and energy-efficient lighting is one of a number of our initiatives.”

Low Energy Supplies & Services Pty Ltd, an Accredited Certificate Provider under the ESS with over 10 years’ experience in energy- and water-efficiency programs, partnered with EELCO in lodging this, the first of many future applications, on their client’s behalf to access revenue under the scheme.

Replacing standard power-hungry 400 W high bay lights with a quality Australian-made EELCO system boast energy savings in excess of 50% as well as considerable maintenance cost savings and good illumination levels and quality.

“It’s time Australia caught up with rest of the world and mothballed the fifty-year-old inefficient HID technology still used in the vast majority of these standard high and low bay lights. Viable energy-efficient alternatives have been available in the US and Europe for some time and are now one of the most cost-effective investments Australian businesses can make,” says Energy Efficient Lighting Company CEO Mat Fear.