"The lighting upgrades I did have greatly enhanced my in-store floral displays."
Bonnie Hawley, Owner Hawley’s Florist
Bonnie Hawley knows good lighting is crucial to making sales. It’s easier on the eyes of staff and customers alike, and shows off merchandise at its best. In 2010, when she heard of a lighting program from Efficiency Vermont that would put high-quality bulbs within reach, she jumped at the opportunity.
Hawley switched out 73 older fluorescent bulbs for efficient high performance T8s, and immediately reduced her energy usage, saving $690 per year on electricity. "Efficiency Vermont helped me determine that the store’s lighting was using far too much energy," said Hawley. "They provided the information and rebates I needed to make my lighting upgrade a reality, and they were very easy to work with."
In 2011, Hawley contacted Efficiency Vermont again when she heard about rebates on LED screw-based lamps, for display and spot lighting. LEDs can last about 8 times longer and use 80% less energy than halogens. Hawley’s shop is now saving $460 a year from the second lighting upgrade.
Aside from energy savings, Hawley’s business benefits from the reduced maintenance time and expense of changing out bulbs, and Hawley couldn’t be happier about how the new lights show off her flowers. While any investment in a small business must be carefully considered, rebates from Efficiency Vermont and immediate energy savings make lighting a clear choice.