Taylor Insulation of Kalispell is Flathead Electric Cooperative's first participant in a new program that rewards businesses for installing quality, high-efficiency light fixtures in new buildings. Until recently Flathead Electric's Commercial Lighting Rebate program was strictly designed for retro-fits to lighting systems in existing commercial buildings. Now the Bonneville Power Administration has modified the program to include incentives for new commercial facilities.

Don Newton, FEC Energy Services Coordinator, visits with Rod Taylor about his new efficient lighting.

For Taylor Insulation's new storage facility, Flathead Electric Co-op and BPA kicked in $50.00 per fixture to help offset the cost of new High Output T-5 fluorescent fixtures. Typically a facility such as this would have installed 400 watt Metal Halide fixtures.

The advantages of using the High Output T-5's are numerous: increased lumen output, better light quality, quietness of operation, and 23% less energy consumption. In addition, Metal Halide fixtures have a long start up time and in the long run they lose much of their lumen output.

Another local businessman, Scott Yarde, owner of Countryside Welding, saw the new T-5 fluorescent technology at a trade show and realized that these fixtures would be a great lighting choice for his new building as well. Now that they are installed and operating he is extremely pleased with all aspects of his new lighting.

If you are interested in top-quality lighting and lower operating costs for your business call Don Newton, the Co-op's Energy Services Coordinator at 751-4485. All projects must be pre-approved.

Roundup For Safety is a voluntary program for FEC members.

Participating members allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the next dollar, with the extra money going into a fund for community safety projects.

Applications from non-profit groups are considered each month by a board of directors representing each Co-op district.

For information and application forms, call 751-4483 in Kalispell and 293-7122 in Libby.