PPL Electric Utilities and Sustainable Energy Fund announced a new rebate program that will give small businesses up to $2,000 to help replace old or inefficient lighting with new energy-efficient technology.

“An increasing number of small businesses are looking for ways to save energy, reduce their electric bills and protect the environment,” said Tom Stathos, director of Customer Strategy for PPL Electric Utilities. “This program helps business owners by supporting improvements that offer long-lasting results.

“Our support for these rebates is part of our broader e-power campaign to promote energy efficiency and help customers take more control over their energy costs,” he said.

The new Small Business Lighting Retrofit Rebate program enables small businesses to receive rebates equal to 20 percent of the cost of lighting replacement projects up to a maximum of $2,000.

According to the federal government, lighting accounts for about 25 percent to 30 percent of energy use in commercial buildings and is a primary source of waste heat. Technology such as new fluorescent lighting systems, including electronic ballasts, and LED exit signs can save customers up to 50 percent in lighting costs alone.

PPL Electric Utilities will provide $250,000 in funding for the lighting retrofit rebate program. It will be run by Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF), a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization that promotes renewable energy, clean-energy technologies and energy efficiency. 

Interested businesses can obtain an application at SEF’s Web site, www.thesef.org, or by calling SEF at 610-264-4440, Ext. 15. To be eligible, business must have fewer than 100 employees and have been a PPL Electric Utilities customer for at least three years. Businesses must apply by Aug. 31, 2008. Additional eligibility requirements are listed online at www.thesef.org/programs.  

The new rebate program is one of many ways that PPL Electric Utilities is promoting energy efficiency through its e-power wise energy use campaign. Small business customers can also use the company’s Energy Analyzer to view daily energy usage information, understand their energy usage and find ways to save.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation that provides electricity delivery services to about 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania, has consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. More information is available at www.pplelectric.com.