Installing sensors in your business can save you more money than changing out light bulbs. Even if you never use the sensors, it will save you 5%.

When you are analyzing energy and cost savings opportunities, look at spaces with limited use. Some examples of appropriate applications include copy rooms, restrooms, storage areas, conference rooms, warehouses, break rooms, corridors, filing areas, any space that remains unoccupied more than occupied. You can install a motion sensor and instantly cut 40,50 and even 70% of the energy consumption.

Here is an example to quantify the savings. Your office is 10,000 sq-ft and is illuminated by 250 4 lamp 40 watt T12 fixtures. So, each fixture is 192 watts of power and your annual operating hours are 2,080. You would need 30 ceiling-mount sensors and 9 wall-mount sensors. Assuming a 30% reduction in operational hours, you would save $2,100 a year. With a rebate of $2,400 from your power company, you achieve a payback of 18 months.

Bringing this post back to my title, your local Utility company wants and incentives you to implement sensors in your business. Now I know what you are thinking, My power company is a big meany and does want me to save money. Matter of fact, they want me to spend more. Yes, their business model is built off energy demand and use. The flip side is, Utility companies know business can not grow successfully if they are tethered to a ball and chain. And without business growth and expansion, there is no new demand. Most Utility Companies give $20-$50 per sensor or base it off the hours reduced. That all depends on the scope of use.

Want to know what rebates you may receive? dsireusa.org is a great place to find out what type of energy improvement rebates are available to your business and your home.