Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - In the FY2009 budget cycle, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners approved of the County-wide Lighting Upgrade Project replacing T8 (32 watt) lamps with over 31,125 T8 (25 watt) lamps yielding an estimated $150,000 to $200,000 annual reduction in electrical cost.  This project earned the County a rebate through GRU's Customized Business Rebate Program of $35,948.86.  

Mr. Charley Balanis, Alachua County Energy Management Supervisor,  remarked, "Though the wattage reduction per lamp (7 watts) may not seem significant, when calculated over thousands of lamps County-wide, it becomes significant in demand, kWh, costs and GHG reduction."

The 25 watt bulbs have a five-year life expectancy, and over this period will save the County between $750,000 to $1Million. 

The County used in-house maintenance crews, community service workers and interns from the University of Florida who worked with GRU Representatives, Mr. Jeff Johnson and Ms. Atawa Rollins (Large Account Manager) in satisfying rebate submission requirements.

Alachua County also received a rebate check in the amount of $2,064 from the State of Florida's Office of the Governor Energy Office for using solar in the new Fire Rescue Station#10. 

At the County Commission meeting on February 23, 2010, the Board directed staff to develop a process and a separate financial account into which utility savings from conservation and efficiency enhancements to County facilities are sequestered.  These funds will be considered for reinvestment in conservation enhancements through each year's capital improvements program.

For more information, contact Charlie Jackson, Alachua County Facilities Manager at 352-374-5289.