In the inflationary context of recent years, companies are more focused than ever on reducing their operating costs. Reducing energy consumption has become crucial for achieving this goal. Adopting an energy-efficient lighting system can be a profitable strategy. In collaboration with Hydro-Québec and its Efficient Solutions program, Lumen offers lighting solutions to facilitate the transition to these technologies. These lighting fixtures are not only more efficient and energy-saving but also environmentally friendly and require less costly regular maintenance.
DLC Lighting and Its Advantages
The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) is a non-profit organization which establishes the standards that must be met for LED fixtures to be certified as energy-efficient. DLC-certified products adhere to strict standards regarding light quality, durability, and energy efficiency. There are two types of certification: DLC Standard and DLC Premium. DLC Premium certified products go beyond standard requirements and stand out primarily for their superior energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency
Since DLC fixtures consume less energy and generate less heat than incandescent lighting, electricity costs are reduced.
Cost Reduction
The minimum lifespan of an LED luminaire is approximately 15,000 hours. A DLC Premium certified product exceeds standard norms, so its lifespan is necessarily longer. In the long term, these luminaires will require fewer replacements and less maintenance, resulting in lower additional costs.
Reduced Environmental Impact
By consuming less energy and having a longer lifespan, these products help reduce carbon footprint, and is even more significant in regions where electricity is generated from non-renewable resources.
Hydro-Québec’s Efficient Solutions Program
Hydro-Québec offers several initiatives through its Efficient Solutions program to encourage businesses to make more thoughtful choices. This program aims to reduce the upfront costs associated with purchasing and installing high-efficiency fixtures, making these investments more accessible and profitable for businesses. Please note that conditions may change.
Subsidies for DLC Certified Products
In its latest version of the program, Hydro-Québec commits to providing $5 per DLC Standard fixture and $40 per DLC Premium fixture. Additionally, lighting control devices, such as motion sensors, are also eligible for financial support. If 400 devices or fewer are installed in a building, the company is eligible to receive a single payment of $3,600.
Financial support is granted under various conditions. First, it is imperative to establish the start date of the energy-saving project through the purchase of equipment or a contract for the services of a master electrician. Applicants can submit a request up to two years after completing a project. It is important to note that for small businesses benefiting from Rate G, the minimum threshold required to receive financial support is $500. For all other rates, including small, medium, and large businesses, the minimum threshold to receive financial support is $2,500.
For more information, consult the Participation Guide for Small Businesses, the Participation Guide for Medium and Large Businesses, and the document on Conditions and Undertaking.
How to Claim Subsidies?
Lumen is committed to assisting clients in their lighting subsidy applications. Contact your Lumen representative today to learn more.
Finally, adopting DLC-certified lighting presents undeniable advantages for businesses of all sizes, whether it’s reducing energy costs or improving the quality of their installations. Thanks to the Efficient solutions program businesses can receive financial support to transition to more durable and high-performance lighting technologies.
It is therefore essential to consider these solutions and take advantage of the incentives offered by Hydro-Québec, which facilitate the modernization of infrastructures while maximizing energy savings. By participating in this initiative, each business can take a step toward more responsible and sustainable energy management.
