Small Businesses

Joe and Laurie Kamuda purchased Kamuda’s Country Store from Joe’s father in 1985. Since then, they’ve added catering, lunch specials, and a first class meat department and deli. "In order to keep pace with today’s marketplace, you always have to be looking at new ways to operate," says Joe Kamuda. "Business as usual doesn’t cut it if you want to stay competitive."

In 2009, the Kamudas took a good look at their energy usage as a possible area for savings.With technical guidance and rebates from Efficiency Vermont, they completed a few key projects over the next three years:

• Upgrading 25 overhead lighting fixtures, from older, less efficient fluorescent lighting to high-performance T8s, for a savings of $300 per year;
• Replacing refrigerated case lights with LEDs, for a savings of $200 per year; and
• Adding efficient fan motors—which emit less heat—in walk-in coolers, for a savings of $950 per year.

Not only are the Kamudas now saving over $1,400 per year, they report that products in their coolers are staying fresher longer (thanks to lower heat output from LEDs), and the overall appearance of the store has improved dramatically. Even the customers have noticed.

Says Joe, "This place isn’t just a store; it’s a part of the community. So to hear our customers comment on how much they love the upgrades—that means a lot."

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.