Most electric utilities run Utility Company Rebate Programs that pay businesses back for part of a qualifying LED lighting upgrade. Programs usually come in two forms: prescriptive rebates paid per lamp, fixture or control from a published catalog, and custom rebates for projects that don’t fit the catalog. Many utilities also run a separate small business program. Rules, caps and funding change every program year, so confirm the current terms with your utility before you buy.
How the programs usually work
| Prescriptive rebates | Small business programs | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Commercial customers on a business rate, for existing buildings, renovations and often new construction | Smaller businesses under the utility’s size or demand limit |
| How it starts | An online application, by you or a participating contractor | Often an interest form, then a site assessment |
| How it pays | A set amount per lamp, fixture or control from the program catalog | Often an instant discount applied to the project |
| Limits | Caps per building or per year, and often a percentage of equipment cost | Caps per project or per building |
Some programs also work through participating distributors that take the rebate off at the counter. Check your utility’s business rebate page for the current options.
What lighting upgrades typically qualify
- Interior lamps: LED tubes, plug-in LED lamps and LED replacements for HID lamps
- Interior fixtures: LED troffers and troffer retrofit kits, downlights, linear fixtures and LED exit signs
- High and low bays: new LED fixtures or retrofit kits replacing HID or fluorescent sources
- Exterior: LED area, parking lot, canopy and wall pack fixtures replacing HID
- Signs: LED sign lighting replacing fluorescent, neon or HID
- Controls: occupancy and daylight sensors
If your project isn’t covered by a catalog measure, it may still qualify as a custom project.
Eligibility rules that trip people up
- DLC or ENERGY STAR listing. Most programs require products on the DesignLights Consortium Qualified Products List, and some accept ENERGY STAR.
- Operating hours. Many measures require a minimum number of operating hours a year.
- Wattage reduction. Retrofits usually must cut connected watts by a set amount.
- Exterior controls. Exterior fixtures often need a working photocell or time clock.
- Code-required controls. Sensors that energy code already requires usually don’t earn a rebate.
- Old equipment. Programs typically require you to remove and properly dispose of what you replace. In Georgia, EPD has rules for handling used fluorescent and HID lamps, which contain mercury.
Pre-approval, deadlines and payment
- Pre-approval: often optional but strongly recommended before you buy or install. It confirms your equipment qualifies before you spend money.
- Documentation: expect to submit itemized invoices with model numbers, quantities and discounts within a set window after the project is complete.
- Inspection: the utility may inspect before or after installation.
- Payment: rebates are usually mailed after final paperwork is approved, and many programs let you assign payment to your contractor.
- Funding: program budgets are limited and often first-come, first-served.
How we help
LED There Be Light helps customers with Utility Company Rebate Programs. In practice, we help you choose fixtures that match program measures and the DLC list, pull spec sheets, and help put the rebate paperwork together. Installation is available through our network of qualified electrical contractors.
Step by step: getting your rebate
- Take inventory. Count fixtures, wattages, hours and existing controls. An energy audit does this for you.
- Find your program. Check your utility’s business rebate page to see whether a prescriptive, custom or small business program fits.
- Pick qualifying products. Match each fixture to a program measure and confirm the DLC listing. Our LED conversion and high bay selections are good places to start.
- Request pre-approval, then buy and install within the approval window.
- Submit documentation on time.
- Allow for inspection, then watch for payment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need pre-approval for a utility lighting rebate?
Many programs call it optional but strongly recommended. It confirms your equipment qualifies before you spend money.
Can I get a rebate on LED fixtures I already installed?
Sometimes. Many programs accept applications for a limited time after installation, but without pre-approval you take the risk that something won’t qualify.
How much will my business receive?
It depends on the measure, the equipment you replace and the quantity, within the program caps. Amounts change, so use the current catalog or have us check your project.
Does my business qualify for a small business program?
Small business programs set their own size or demand limits. Your utility bill or the program team can confirm whether you qualify.
Want help turning a lighting upgrade into a rebate-ready project in Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming or anywhere in metro Atlanta? Visit our Energy Rebates page to get started, and ask about our commercial accounts for multi-site work.
