Introduction

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National Update: EPAct 2005

• According to a NEMA spokesman, the results of the nation’s recent mid-term elections are expected to have a favorable impact on a variety of energy-related issues, including the possibility of a deadline extension for EPAct tax deductions (currently expiring on 12/31/07). Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY), incoming House Ways and Means Chair, has indicated an interest in addressing the issue of renewable energy and energy efficiency tax incentives early in 2007.

• On November 30th, 2006, NEMA representatives will participate in a workshop on the Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction for the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). Sponsored by EEI's National Accounts program, the session will help raise awareness of EPAct tax deduction opportunities among large commercial entities (such as Wal-Mart, etc.) which buy power at the corporate level and seek corporate-wide solutions.

• NEMA representatives are also scheduled to participate in a workshop on the Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction for Congress on December 7th, 2006. The purpose of the workshop will be to increase congressional awareness of the issues surrounding the opportunity, discuss and build support for a deadline extension, and correct a variety of minor technical issues within the current bill.

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EPAct 2005 Opportunities Await You….

Tax deductions offered through EPAct 2005 are currently available on qualifying lighting technologies placed into service between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007…so don’t let the unprecedented opportunity to benefit from a lighting upgrade while taking advantage of government-sponsored financial incentives pass you by!

For more details on the commercial building tax deduction, consult the following existing as well as new and noteworthy resources:

EPAct 2005 Resources:

• Recently available! On October 3rd, 2006, NEMA issued its official “Guidance on Energy Policy Act Commercial Building’s Tax Deduction.” This document helps clarify a number of issues for engineers and contractors as it relates to qualification for tax deduction opportunities and offers the procedures and templates which, once completed, can be used by a tax accountant to prepare the necessary documentation for the IRS. This NEMA guidance document can be found on the IRS website.

• On June 2nd, the IRS issued Notice IR-2006-088, its official procedures enabling commercial property owners to qualify for energy efficiency deductions. Information describing the contents and qualifications for the certification are listed in Notice 2006-52, Deduction for Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings, which can also be found found on the IRS website.

• A website devoted solely to providing information on lighting upgrade activities and related EPAct 2005 tax deduction opportunities was launched this Spring at www.lightingtaxdeduction.org.

• For up-to-the-minute information on EPAct 2005 and related tax incentives, continue to visit www.efficientbuildings.org, www.energytaxincentives.org, or NEMA.org.
  

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Leading with Lighting

The following real-life case study helps demonstrate how the Tower Records franchise improved its lighting quality and bottom line by pursuing a lighting upgrade:

LED technology proved to be an optimal lighting solution for famed franchise Tower Records following the recent opening of a new store location in Seattle. Store management wanted to incorporate the company’s trademark red coloring on the exterior of the 14,500 square-foot store for visual impact, but did not want to pursue neon technology based on the company’s past experiences at other Tower Records locations.

“We wanted the visual effect of a cutting-edge red stripe around the perimeter of the store, but wanted to achieve that look using a safer, more durable, more energy-efficient, and more maintenance-free technology than neon,” said Tower Records Vice President of Construction and Maintenance Bob Hannan. Light-emitting diode (LED) technology satisfied the team’s objectives to a tee. Consuming only a quarter of the wattage of neon while delivering the same or better light output, LEDs offer up to 75% energy savings opportunities. A low-voltage source, LEDs do not create the heat or safety issues associated with higher-voltage neon technology. And their 10-year+ life span insures that LED light sources are largely maintenance-free, a welcome change from the periodic failures, changeouts, and subsequent maintenance expenses that can result from the use of neon technology.

The final installation involved 6 Advance 60-watt 12 VDC signPRO™ LED drivers powering 360 feet of red LED border tubing extending around the front and sides of the store.

“We are delighted with this installation,” confirms Hannan. “LEDs are energy-efficient, safe and easy to work with, durable and trouble-free, and they create a look that fits well with Tower Records’ style and image. We’re thrilled to have found a solution that satisfied all of our lighting objectives.”

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News You Can Use

The impact of lighting upgrades
According to the IEA and Philips Central Market Intelligence, a 20% energy savings on all the lighting currently installed in the USA and Canada would avoid:

• The emission of 90 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year
• The need for over 244 million barrels of oil per year
• The need for the power generated by more than 83 power plants annually

New Report Summarizes Energy Star-Related Savings for 2005
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual report, Americans collectively saved $12 billion on their energy bills in 2005. The report noted that consumer and business investment in energy-efficient technologies exceeded $38 billion in 2005 and that these investments are expected to generate a cumulative $130 billion in savings over the next 10 years.

Electricity Demand Forecast to Exceed Supply
The annual report from The North American Electric Reliability Council suggests that the rate of construction of power plants and power lines will not be fast enough to meet growing demand. The report predicts that demand will increase by about 19 percent over the next 10 years in the United States but that the construction of power plants and transmission lines to carry that load will fall far short of what is required, with the number of miles of new transmission lines, which can help redistribute supplies, increasing by only 7 percent. The use of energy-efficient technologies is a significant means of reducing energy use, however, the DOE estimates that up to a third of the nation’s future electricity demand could be met through conservation and other measures to reduce energy consumption (such as lighting upgrades).

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Product Spotlight

Advance Expands e-Vision® Family of Electronic HID Ballasts with Compact New Model for 150-Watt Metal Halide Lamps

Advance recently expanded its popular e-Vision® line of electronic HID ballasts with the addition of a compact new model for the operation of 150-watt metal halide lamps.

Measuring a full 20% smaller and 3% more efficient than Advance’s previous 150-watt offering, the new model represents the smallest 150-watt electronic HID ballast incorporating multiple-voltage technology in the industry to optimally support the market’s variety of 150-watt downlighting and accent lighting applications.

In addition to incorporating highly-efficient electronic circuitry, Advance’s new e-Vision Compact 150-watt electronic HID ballast features IntelliVolt® multiple-voltage technology to enhance ease of ordering and reduce stocking/SKU requirements as well as superior lamp wattage regulation to optimize lamp color quality over life and reduce lamp-to-lamp variations. The ballast also offers an 85 ° C maximum case temperature rating as well as a range of enhanced safety features such as automatic lamp power control and lamp monitoring to ensure long life in demanding applications.

Delivered in a low-profile and versatile housing, Advance’s new e-Vision Compact 150-watt electronic HID ballast brings the comprehensive benefits of electronic HID technology to the market’s broad range of retail, commercial, institutional, and outdoor settings.

See the data sheet for this new product and visit our website for information on our full line of electronic HID ballasts.

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Customer Spotlight

Ron Murray,
President, Performance Consulting Group,
a Norman, Oklahoma-based provider of responsible energy solutions

On market response to tax deduction
opportunities offered by EPAct 2005

"The existence of EPAct has definitely raised the market's awareness of the advantages of lighting upgrades and other implementation measures as well as the availability of other financial incentives such as utility rebates. As a result of the passage of EPAct, not only do energy service companies and other service providers have more tools in their arsenal during the prospecting process, but customers now have an additional and compelling justification for undertaking an upgrade. Overall, by giving end users an incentive to pursue an upgrade, EPAct has raised national awareness of upgrade opportunities and has enabled end users to bring more money to the bottom line." 

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Lighting Library...

See the following recent trade article for reference information on
EPAct 2005, green building, and lighting upgrade opportunities:

“Energy Star Challenge: Improve Energy Efficiency of Buildings by 10 Percent or More”
Environmental Design + Construction, November 2006
Read article...

“Small Steps, Big Energy Savings”
Maintenance Solutions, November 2006
Read article...

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