No budget for LEDs? We can help.
Small businesses significantly reduce their energy costs by upgrading to LEDs, but finding budget dollars for full lighting retrofits can be challenging. Partner with us to help your small commercial customers make the switch to LEDs by providing free TLEDs and screw-ins through the One-Stop Efficiency Shop free LED program, sponsored by Xcel Energy.
We’re looking for qualified local contractors who want to:
- Gain new business
- Strengthen relationships with existing customers
- Reduce cost barriers for businesses and nonprofits considering lighting retrofits
Program Requirements
The building or unit must be an Xcel Energy commercial electric customer in Minnesota with:
-
an existing average demand of 50kW or less
-
an existing average demand of 100kW or less if Participant is a non-profit. To qualify, non-profits with an average demand of 50-100kW must be exempt from paying Minnesota sales tax and provide a completed Minnesota Form ST3-Certificate of Exemption confirming non-profit status.
-
an existing average demand of 400kW or less if Participant is located in a priority corridor identified by CEE
The following properties are not eligible:
-
Chains (unless owned by a franchisee)
-
Xcel Energy managed accounts
-
Management companies if the management company is the primary account holder
-
Government entities
-
Public schools, colleges, and universities
-
Charter schools
Send your commercial lighting projects to your One-Stop Efficiency Shop lighting consultant or contact us at onestop@mncee.org or 612-244-2427 to confirm eligibility. The Vendor or Participant must verify with CEE staff that an Xcel Energy account is eligible for One-Stop Direct Install rebates before committing to, purchasing equipment for, or implementing a project.
More Program Information
The Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act requires investor-owned Minnesota utilities to help commercial and residential ratepayers reduce energy use through efficiency programs. One way Xcel Energy meets this requirement is by sponsoring LED lighting rebates and free energy efficiency consulting for small-midsized businesses through CEE’s One-Stop Efficiency Shop.
The program covers the installation of high-quality, commercial grade LED tubes and screw-in bulbs approved by CEE.
Screw-in LED lamps must be commercial grade (25,000+ hours) when applicable. Specialty LED lamps with <25,000 hour lamp life require approval from CEE staff prior to purchase or installation.
T8 2’, T8 4’, T8 8’, T8 u-bent, 2’ PL-L and T5 4’ HO lamp replacements (LED Tubes) must meet the following criteria:
-
Be listed on the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) version 5.1 Qualified Products List (QPL) under the Primary Use Designation ‘Internal Driver/Line Voltage (UL Type B Lamps)’.
-
Have a minimum rated efficacy of 135 lumens/watt.
-
Have a minimum rated lamp life of 50,000 hours.
-
Carry a minimum product warranty of 5 years.
-
CEE recommends Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) light levels.
Installation pricing and equipment specifications have been established for participating contractors. Payments will be direct deposited into enrolled accounts according to program guidelines.
You will have 60 days to complete a project after CEE receives a signed One-Stop Efficiency Shop customer participation agreement and the project scope is approved by CEE.
If your projects don’t qualify for free LEDs, we can support you with rebates covering up to 75% of projects costs, access to grants and loans, and assistance completing rebate paperwork. Reach out to your One-Stop Efficiency Shop lighting consultant or contact us at onestop@mncee.org to learn more.