What’s the old joke … how many firefighters does it take to change a light bulb? Four – one to change the bulb and three to cut a hole in the roof. Funny as it may sound, when the North Haledon Fire Department opted to enhance its lighting with the assistance of PSE&G trade ally Donnelly Energy, the resulting benefits were certainly no joke.
The NHFD traces its roots back to 1896 with the establishment of Haledon Fire Company 1. The organization continued to operate in this arrangement until it was necessary to expand in 1928, when a group of private citizens officially formed the North Haledon Fire Department. The NHFD remains an active and engaged fire department to this day.
As a volunteer-driven organization, the NHFD recognizes the significance of every resource. When contacted by our trade ally Donnelly Energy for a complimentary assessment of its energy use, the fire department was eager to accept. Donnelly Energy, an energy efficiency firm based in New Jersey, supports PSE&G’s Direct Install Program and provides businesses and local government entities with cost-effective solutions for lighting, HVAC, EV and solar needs.
Following the assessment, Donnelly Energy recommended that the NHFD replace outdated, inefficient lighting with new, more cost-effective LED lights. Taking action, 268 different lights with upgraded fixtures were installed in the NHFD facilities, along with new wall packs, outside lights and modern canned and high hat lights.
Donnelly estimates that the fire company will save nearly 75,000 kilowatt-hours per year, which translates to over $7,600 in annual cost savings. Not to mention, by participating in the Direct Install Program, the fire department benefited from a 50% reduction in the total project cost, with PSE&G covering the remaining balance free of interest. Most importantly, no out-of-pocket expenses were incurred. PSE&G’s Direct Install Program can help uncover hidden facility energy savings that can cut energy costs by as much as 30%. When the work is complete, customers repay as little as 20% of the total project cost – interest-free – over 60 months on their PSE&G bill or in one lump-sum payment, if preferred.
PSE&G’s Direct Install program provides a complimentary on-site energy assessment to help businesses identify energy-saving opportunities. Measures to save include lighting retrofits, heating, ventilation, air conditioning system installations, commercial refrigeration equipment upgrades and more. This particular undertaking reflects the NHFD’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
“By taking a simple step like replacing old lighting, we’ve been able to free up more resources to better serve the North Haledon community and help the environment,” said Dan Hook, president of the North Haledon Fire Department.
Energy efficiency opportunities are an effective way to reduce operating costs for public service organizations such as fire departments.
“We’re pleased to have collaborated with the North Haledon Fire Department through our partnership with Donnelly Energy,” said Rachael Fredericks, director of Energy Services at PSE&G. “This project showcases our commitment to helping community organizations achieve significant energy and cost savings through efficient business solutions.”
“If there is one piece of advice I can share, it’s this: let us come out and do the free assessment,” said Justin Avallone, vice president of utility programs at Donnelly Energy. “The hardest thing is getting started, and by participating in the free assessment, you can see what is available, what the savings are, and understand how your business can become more energy efficient.”
To learn more about energy efficiency programs and options for your business, visit bizsave.pseg.com.
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