Lancaster School completes LED lighting project

Receives rebate for more than half of project costs

Thanks in part to a rebate from Otter Tail Power Company, the Lancaster School has finished removing all fluorescent and metal halide light fixtures, replacing them with low-watt LED fixtures.

While project costs were approximately $70,000, Otter Tail Power Company provided a rebate of $50,000 through the Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) for this energy efficiency upgrade. Todd’s Electric in Kennedy completed the project. “LEDs last about seven times longer than metal halide and four to seven times as long as fluorescents,” said Otter Tail Power Company Energy Management Representative Scott Sigette. “The school will see a significant reduction in maintenance costs.”

In addition to lower maintenance costs, the school can expect to save more than 225,000 kilowatt-hours annually—the same usage as approximately 19 homes. “We’re very pleased with the new LEDs, not only for the energy savings but also because it’s so much brighter in the school,” said Lancaster School Superintendent Shannon Hunstad. “And since they’re instant on and instant off, we don’t have to wait for them to warm up or cool down.”

Otter Tail Power Company’s CIP provides rebates, grants, education, special programs, and financing to encourage individuals and businesses to use electricity wisely. To learn more about this program visit otpco.com/MNCIP.

Photo caption: Lancaster School Superintendent Shannon Hunstad (left) accepts a rebate check from Otter Tail Power Company Service Representative Don Schuler for an interior lighting upgrade throughout Lancaster School.