For several years, Christine Taylor—owner of ReRide Western Re-Sale Store Boutique and Antique Mall in Pendleton—wanted to upgrade her lighting to something brighter and easier to operate. “My fluorescent tubes were always burning out, but I couldn’t afford to install something better,” said Taylor, whose shop specializes in unique Western and Native American hand-crafted clothing, jewelry and more. When Pendleton Electric Company told her about a limited-time promotion from Energy Trust of Oregon that could pay the full cost* of replacing T12 and T8 fluorescent lamps and ballasts with energy-saving tubular LED lamps and drivers “I couldn’t pass up such a great opportunity,” said Taylor.

In one day, Pendleton Electric replaced 112 fluorescent lamps with TLEDs, using existing fixtures. Installation and materials cost just over $4,100 and because Pendleton Electric received an Energy Trust cash incentive for the full amount, the boutique didn’t have to come up with any money upfront. “The process was easy,” said Taylor. “There wasn’t a lot of paperwork and Pendleton Electric handled everything.”

The energy-efficient TLEDs cut the boutiques’s annual electric costs by an estimated $460. There’s maintenance savings as well because long-lasting TLEDs won’t need to be replaced for years. “Now my boutique is like a whole new place and customers are commenting on how nice everything looks,” said Taylor.

Pendleton Electric, along with Gordon’s Electric and Enterprise Electric and Rental, spread the word about the promotion, which was available through Dec. 31, 2019, to Pacific Power customers in Umatilla and Wallowa counties*. “It was a great promotion that really benefitted Eastern Oregon communities,” said Corey Anderson, Pendleton Electric. “Dozens of businesses were able to improve the color and quality of their lighting. Smaller businesses in particular were the big winners.”

Taylor couldn’t agree more. “More than 60 consignors sell products in my boutique and many of them depend on that income,” said Taylor. “The LEDs put those products in a better light by highlighting their detail, craftmanship and value to tourists and other customers. Making things look nice not only boosts sales, it’s a positive reflection on the greater community.”

Connect with a trade ally to learn more about lighting options available for your business, visit www.energytrust.org/find-a-contractor.

*See full details of TLED promotion, visit www.energytrust.org/TLEDpromotion