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How to Establish a Lighting Incentive Program

This site was developed to lead electric utility staff through the process of implementing a lighting demand-side management (DSM) incentive program. The following information will guide the user through the decision making and program development process.

How to Establish a Lighting Incentive Program
This image is of a the numeral one, representing the first step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Establish a Budget and Goals.

Establish a Budget and Goals

Establishing a budget and then sticking to it may be the best way to ensure program success. Budget items can be generally split between administration, marketing, and incentive costs. A sample budget is provided in the Establish a Budget and Goals section of this guide.
This image is of a calculator, representing the first step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Establish a Budget and Goals.
This image is of the numeral two, representing the second step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Hire an Energy Services Manager.

Hire an Energy Services Manager

It is recommended that a utility implementing a new lighting DSM program hire a dedicated Energy Services Manager (ESM) to act as a single point of contact for current and prospective customers. See the Hire an Energy Services Manager section of this guide for more information.
This image is of a name badge, representing the second step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Hire an Energy Services Manager.
This image is of the numeral three, representing the third step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Determine the Rebate Structure.

Determine the Rebate Structure

There are two types of lighting rebate structures, and each utility can use one or both types of programs depending on the application. The two types are: Prescriptive, a rebate per installed fixture; and Custom, a rebate per kW reduction. See Determine Your Rebate Structure for more information.
This image is of a flow diagram, representing the third step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Determine the Rebate Structure.
This image is of the numeral four, representing the fourth step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Develop Marketing Resources.

Develop Marketing Resources

Customer implementation rates are directly dependent on program marketing, such as through mass mail advertising or direct-contact exposure during face-to-face selling. See the Marketing Resources section of this guide for more information and sample marketing materials.
This image is of a phone book, representing the fourth step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Develop Marketing Resources.
This image is of the numeral five, representing the fifth step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Partner with Trade Allies.

Partner with Trade Allies

For lighting DSM program development, the term "trade allies" encompasses all groups concerned with the sales and installation of lighting components, including contractors, distributors, designers, and manufacturers. See the Partner with Trade Allies section of this guide for more information on how to get trade allies involved.
This image is two people, representing the fifth step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Partner with Trade Allies.
This image is of the numeral six, representing the sixth step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Deliver the Program.

Deliver the Program

Successful delivery of the lighting DSM program requires the effective integration of an ESM, rebate structure, marketing materials, and trade allies. See the Deliver the Program section of this guide for information and metrics to help with monitoring.
This image is of a check mark, representing the sixth step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Deliver the Program.
This image is of the numeral seven, representing the seventh step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Monitor Program Performance.

Monitor Program Performance

Monitoring the successes and challenges of the rebate incentives rests solely on the shoulders of the utility. See the Monitor Program Performance section of this guide for information and metrics to help with monitoring.
This image is of a graph, representing the seventh step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process, Monitor Program Performance.

Image of a blue rectangle, indicating that there is no step prior in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process. Image of a blue arrow with the text "First Step," representing a link to the first step in the Turn-Key DSM Lighting process.
Image of a red house, representing the homepage for the Website. Back to Turn-Key DSM Lighting Home