NIPSCO rewards LifePlex for energy-saving investment

LifePlex of Plymouth is seeing positive outcomes from installing energy-saving lighting as part of NIPSCO's Energy Efficiency Program for Business Customers. 

Facility staff, community leaders and representatives of NIPSCO and administrative program partner TRC gathered Thursday afternoon to celebrate LifePlex's investment in switching to LED lighting, earning it $21,522.50 in incentive funds through the program.

That covers roughly a third of the project cost, according to LifePlex Owner Mary Holm, who highlighted additional future savings – both in reduced energy costs and maintenance time. She also personally thanked LifePlex Maintenance Supervisor Troy Houin for being the one to change out nearly all 3,317 fluorescent lights in the facility.

"I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the program and hope that from this example many more companies will take advantage of it, saving energy for our community and northern Indiana," Holm said.

She shared that LifePlex has been committed to efficiency and being a "green" environmental friendly facility since its beginning in 2006. In addition to this new initiative, HVAC systems are centrally regulated to provide consistent climate control, door locks and security systems are centrally controlled for safety and reduced need for employee management, lighting is timed and computer controlled to avoid unnecessary energy consumption and a robust recycling program throughout contributes to minimizing community waste.

She noted that cost savings will help control rent for tenant spaces, as common area maintenance charges will be favorably affected. She also noted savings can be invested back into the business, which benefits both its employees and members. 

"It is good for our members when we can afford to maximize their experience without increasing their membership fees," she said, adding that energy efficiency helps the community overall. 

TRC Field Engineer Rachel Leins pointed out that LifePlex removed more than 304,000 kWh from the grid by its investment. That equates to an estimated annual energy savings of $35,000, as well as 50 vehicles being removed from the road or 424 homes being powered. 

"It goes beyond the energy efficiency and improves the experience of the guest as well," she added. "Replacing outdated, inefficient fluorescent lighting and updating it to today's technology, LED lighting, not only saves energy, but the guest experience is improved as well when we have consistent lighting across the spaces, especially for different activities that folks are doing."

"If you save energy, you save money," NIPSCO Program Coordinator Michele Abrell shared in presenting LifePlex a check for its incentive funds. "We just want to thank you again for taking advantage of the program, and we hope that you continue to use the Energy Efficiency Program funds for other incentives in the building."

"We are definitely interested in helping the Plymouth community," she added, noting the program is available for any commercial or industrial customer of NIPSCO. 

Those interested in learning more about energy efficiency programs offered by NIPSCO are encouraged to visit NIPSCO.com/BIZ, email NIPSCO.Savings@TRCcompanies.com or call 800-299-2501.