“The YMCA of Twin Falls Inc. is thankful for the opportunity to work with Idaho Power on our court lighting project. The lights are much quieter, have saved at least 25 percent on our monthly lighting bill, and we received an incentive check for almost 40 percent of the project cost.”
– Karen Jachimowski, CEO

The Organization
The Twin Falls YMCA has provided recreational opportunities to the Magic Valley area since 1957. Among other recreational pursuits, they have 3 indoor courts for year-round tennis playing.

The Challenge
The old tennis court lighting was not ideal. They had metal halide fixtures with a mix of 1000 watt (W) and 750W lamps. The light levels were inadequate, lamp colors were inconsistent, and maintenance issues were becoming a problem.

The Solution
A board member that had energy expertise made a proposal to upgrade the lighting. The proposal was to switch to a newer lighting technology, pulse start metal halides. Pulse start lighting is more efficient, the lamps last longer, and they have better color stability.

The Outcome
After the new fixtures were installed, they brought in some of their most ardent tennis players. Without telling them what was different, they played a few games. When the tennis players were told what was different, their response was overwhelmingly favorable. Since then, other YMCA members have expressed similar sentiments—they enjoy playing under the new lights. The new lights are also quieter than the old fixtures. Tennis players can now benefit from the better lighting, and the YMCA administration--and their entire membership—benefit from lower operating costs.

The Savings
The Twin Falls YMCA will see the net benefit of new lighting every month. With their new lights, they will be saving about $6,500 per year.

The Bottom Line
Idaho Power provided an Easy Upgrades
incentive payment of $6,150. The YMCA lighting upgrade will have a return on investment (ROI) of greater than 100 percent; which means the lighting will pay for itself in less than one year. YMCA members can see the benefits of better lighting on the tennis courts every day, and the administration can see benefits on their electrical bills every month.

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If you’re looking for similar success, Idaho Power’s Easy Upgrades program can help. For complete details, call (208) 388-6484 for more information on this incentive program.