Training success highlights the power of LLLCs in Minnesota
The first of three luminaire-level lighting controls (LLLCs) training workshops took place on May 19 at the Ramsey County Workforce Development Center in St. Paul. The workshops are part of an effort led by Minnesota’s Efficient Technology Accelerator’s* LLLC Initiative, a market transformation effort aimed at making LLLCs standard practice in commercial buildings. By advancing the adoption of these systems, the initiative seeks to drive long-term, statewide change in the lighting industry. This first workshop demonstrated the strong interest in LLLCs from Minnesota's lighting professionals, confirming the value of interactive learning and applying it to real-world applications.
The workshop was designed to offer a hands-on learning experience that explored the features and benefits of LLLCs. The attendees, made up of contractors, lighting distributors, and other lighting professionals, engaged directly with industry experts and manufacturer representatives and received expert insight on different LLLC systems. The training itself was led by John Author Wilson and Bruce Hemmelman of Fernhill Shopworks. The Fernhill Shopworks team has led similar lighting control trainings nationwide for utilities, manufacturers, and program implementers.
The half-day training offered practical and immediately applicable lessons in LLLC technology, covering:
- LLLC control strategies and how to layer them into a sequence of operations tailored to building and tenant needs
- The evolution of networked lighting and key industry terminology
- The technical and economic advantages of LLLCs from flexible design to energy savings
The impact of the training was clear in attendee feedback, with several attendees highlighting the immediate value and takeaways gained.
"Entirely worth my time investment. I walked away with at least six gold nuggets [of information] and I'm always happy if I get just one nugget at these kind of events."
– Tom Kieffer, Commercial Client Manager, Sr. Lighting Consultant
One of the highlights of the day was the hands-on live demonstration activity. Manufacturer representatives from Davis Associates, Rouzer Group, and MRL Company guided attendees through hands-on LLLC demo boards, helping them understand setup, plug-and-play capabilities, and how to use the technology in sales and installation scenarios.
The training wrapped up by emphasizing LLLC value propositions like flexibility for future space needs, code compliance, and saving on operating costs, which all contribute to faster project approval and completion.
Two more training workshops are coming up this spring, June 10 in Duluth and June 11 in Minneapolis. Facility managers, electrical contractors, distributors, and manufacturer representatives are encouraged to register soon as space is limited and filling up fast!
The Lighting Control Workshop were brought to Minnesota through the LLLC Initiative, a statewide program under MN’s Efficient Technology Accelerator (ETA). The LLLC Initiative gives gratitude to its event partners: Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, Minnesota Power, and Dunwoody College of Technology.
Register for an upcoming LLLC training event
Contact the LLLC staff about hosting a training
*Minnesota's Efficient Technology Accelerator is a statewide market transformation program funded by investor-owned utilities, administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources, and implemented by CEE.