Through NSTAR Electric's Small Business Solutions Program, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency was able to install an energy-efficient lighting system in its new Boston office at 98 North Washington St. This system features the latest commercial lighting technologies.

NSTAR picked up 80 percent of the cost for the build-out, which is expected to reduce electricity usage by more than 30 percent. This translates into energy savings of approximately $2,222 per year. Fairlane Properties, which leases the office to CEE, paid for the remaining 20 percent of the project.

"This installation shows future tenants that this kind of lighting is available to them through an NSTAR program," said Michael Grill, President of Fairlane Properties. "It's more efficient, lowers electricity costs and it's attractive. It makes sense in renovations where you would be installing new lighting. If you're making a change anway, why not take advantage of NSTAR's program?"

Many property owners are beginning to realize that the installation of energy-efficient lighting (as well as other energy-saving equipment) enhances property value, making commercial real estate sites more desirable. Since its inception in 1999, NSTAR's program has provided similar benefits to approximately 4,400 other small businesses in the greater Boston area. Local contractors are hired by NSTAR to do the actual work.

Rise Engineering designed CEE's new lighting system based on the office layout, window placement and space usage. By using the Ergolight system (a Ledalite product) for workstation lighting, Rise technicians reduced the number of fixtures from 86 to 54 while maintaining the same light level.

Click here for a chart comparing the old lighting system with the new system.

In addition, the Ergolight (which includes three T8 lamps) features personal dimming controls and occupancy sensors while minimizing computer screen glare.

"Employees love the new lighting and are very happy in their new workstations," said Marc Hoffman, CEE Executive Director. "And we have lowered our monthly operating costs. Don't sign a new lease before talking to NSTAR and including the program in your tenant improvements."

NSTAR Electric, which serves nearly 1.4 million residential and business customers in Eastern Massachusetts, is committed to providing its customers with a variety of energy-saving programs. For more information, call 781-441-8592 or visit www.nstarlonline.com.

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