A few local Hayes Valley shops are undergoing a switch to LED (light-emitting diode) lights to benefit from rebates given by the San Francisco Energy Watch (SFEW), a program launched in 2007 that offers energy efficiency and financial incentives to qualifying commercial customers.
Among the participating stores in the area, Nomad's (556 Hayes), Lavish (508 Hayes), Propeller (555 Hayes), Fiddlesticks (540 Hayes) and Reliquary (537 Hayes) are the first to apply for the program. To qualify for SFEW, the shops first have their lighting systems assessed. Then a vendor comes in and installs the lights, after which the shops can apply for a rebate, which is doled out by a partnership between San Francisco Energy Watch, PG&E and the City of San Francisco. The rebate is paid for by a monthly fee on your utility bill, as mandated by the California Public Utility Commission. These funds are earmarked for distribution to small businesses for the purpose of energy efficiency. To make it easier for participating businesses, contractors are hired to facilitate the program. In San Francisco, the company New Light Energy Design is one such preferred contractor. “Folks came in from a New Light Energy Design and will run the switch and installation,” said Propeller owner Lorn Dittfeld. “They’re shepherding the whole process.” Lorn mentioned that his home furnishings store will be making the transition early in 2013. While lighting is usually just an unnoticed part of a store's ambiance, we're interested to see how customers will react (if at all) to this slight adjustment. And, if you're a local business, we'll be curious to see whether these changes translate to savings on your energy bill. So, if you have any feedback on these new LEDs in the neighborhood, do come back here and let us know.
Among the participating stores in the area, Nomad's (556 Hayes), Lavish (508 Hayes), Propeller (555 Hayes), Fiddlesticks (540 Hayes) and Reliquary (537 Hayes) are the first to apply for the program. To qualify for SFEW, the shops first have their lighting systems assessed. Then a vendor comes in and installs the lights, after which the shops can apply for a rebate, which is doled out by a partnership between San Francisco Energy Watch, PG&E and the City of San Francisco. The rebate is paid for by a monthly fee on your utility bill, as mandated by the California Public Utility Commission. These funds are earmarked for distribution to small businesses for the purpose of energy efficiency. To make it easier for participating businesses, contractors are hired to facilitate the program. In San Francisco, the company New Light Energy Design is one such preferred contractor. “Folks came in from a New Light Energy Design and will run the switch and installation,” said Propeller owner Lorn Dittfeld. “They’re shepherding the whole process.” Lorn mentioned that his home furnishings store will be making the transition early in 2013. While lighting is usually just an unnoticed part of a store's ambiance, we're interested to see how customers will react (if at all) to this slight adjustment. And, if you're a local business, we'll be curious to see whether these changes translate to savings on your energy bill. So, if you have any feedback on these new LEDs in the neighborhood, do come back here and let us know.
