Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has collaborated with the California Lighting Technology Center to create Lux, a 337-square-foot mock-up of a clothing boutique to demonstrate energy-saving LED lights for owners of small and midsize businesses.
A clothing boutique has been mocked up at the California Lighting Technology Center to demonstrate energy-saving LED lights for owners of small and midsize businesses. Unlike large corporations that have teams of people creating their own mock-up stores, smaller businesses can't easily study lighting types.
The retail lighting demonstration space opens to the public Wednesday.
Retail stores are among the biggest consumers of lighting energy in the state and nation, but with new California Title 24 standards that call for greater energy efficiency — and with LED technology becoming better and more affordable — more retailers may be making the switch.
The showcase space demonstrates five different LED brands and one halogen lamp.
Kelly Cunningham, outreach director for the CLTC, said the space is designed to help retailers learn about the different types of LED lighting, and to solicit feedback from retailers.
"That will help me get objective information about what they don't like about it," she said, adding that while PG&E has seen "a real need for changes in energy efficient lighting in small and medium businesses" the utility also understands that retailers aren't always comfortable with the price tag. An LED lamp can cost between $50 and $90.
Cunningham said she will deliver any feedback to PG&E.
Unlike large corporations that have teams of people creating their own mock-up stores, smaller businesses can't easily study lighting types. And purchasing LED lamps without much information is a big risk, Cunningham said. A business owner may buy LED lights on sale and expect warm light, but get a cooler temperature. The lighting center can help retailers know what to buy, she said.
Retailers can save money by making the switch. By replacing one 90-watt halogen lamp with an LED lamp there is about a 75 percent reduction in wattage and the light is no dimmer, Cunningham said.
