When Rider University was selected to host a televised gubernatorial debate in its Alumni Gym, the high-profile opportunity came with an unexpected wrinkle: the gym’s outdated lighting system created a distracting hum—hardly ideal for broadcast-quality sound.
But instead of a short-term fix, Rider leaned into a long-term solution. The university accelerated a planned upgrade through our Engineered Solutions Program, turning a challenge into a major enhancement.
A sound that sparked change
For years, the mercury vapor lights in the Alumni Gym had been dim, inefficient, and noisy. While the hum was manageable for daily activities, it became a real issue when thousands of eyes (and ears) were about to tune in to watch New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidates debate ahead of the 2025 election.
The temporary fix? Rent external lighting equipment, at a steep cost. But Rider made a different call, one that would brighten more than just the debate stage.
Lighting the way for students, athletes and community
By replacing the aging lights with energy-efficient LEDs through our Engineered Solutions Program, Rider didn’t just eliminate the hum, it transformed the gym into a space fit for any occasion. The new system allows lighting to be tailored for athletic games, campus events and community gatherings. It’s safer, more flexible, and better suited to these high-energy moments that bring people together.
As Micah Rasmussen from Rider’s Rebovich Institute of New Jersey Politics shared, the upgrade “played a small and unsung yet powerful role in allowing Rider to shine” during New Jersey’s most attended gubernatorial debate in history.
Game-day energy that lasts
For student-athletes, the changes are more than cosmetic. From sharper lighting that boosts performance and safety, to “hype videos” that heighten the excitement during games, the upgrade enhances every experience.
Better lighting improves practice quality, enhances safety, and creates a more professional game-day atmosphere.”
– Karin Torchia, senior associate director of athletics at Rider University
Karin also stressed that the improved lighting supports student-athlete recruitment. And when every detail matters, the lighting upgrade gives Rider a competitive edge in attracting top student-athletes.
Smart solutions, big picture thinking
The benefits extend beyond the court. Through our program, Rider upgraded exterior lighting across seven buildings and began modernizing heating and HVAC systems in the library and Fine Arts Building. The improvements will enhance comfort, reduce energy use, and even help preserve priceless historical materials.
PSE&G’s Engineered Solutions Program allows campuses like ours to address mechanical needs, as well as lighting upgrades, for a better building occupant experience, when the funds aren’t readily available to do so.”
-Melissa Greenberg, director of sustainability & special projects
With roughly 56% of the project cost covered by energy efficiency incentives, and the rest paid off over five years with interest-free, on-bill repayment, the university is able to keep its budget intact while investing in its future.
Investing in the present—and the future
In all, Rider’s $1.9 million energy efficiency project is expected to save about 1.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, supporting Rider’s sustainability goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while also providing reductions in utility costs across several campus facilities. The project was delivered with support from New Jersey-based contractors, including union electrical labor.
We’re proud to partner with institutions like Rider that lead by example—showing how smart energy investments can unlock brighter, better days for everyone.
For more information, visit mybizenergy.pseg.com.
