Phosphors: What You Need to Know

What is the issue with lamp phosphors?
Lighting manufacturers across the industry domestic and abroad are experiencing an unparalleled increase in the cost of rare earth materials - specifically phosphor. Europium, Europium Blue, and Terbium raw material elements are in short supply and have gone up over 200% since January.   
 
Why is this a concern?
Phosphor is used to create visible light in fluorescent lamps (linear tubes and CFLs) and is also used in television sets and monitors. The same elements used for phosphors also have widespread use in electronics, medical equipment, computers and more.
 
How significant is the problem?
Phosphor prices have increased substantially over the past year and continue to rise. There is no end in sight to the higher costs. Industry resources claim they can go up as much 800%. Currently there is not an alternative source for phosphor.

 Why is this occurring?
China recently imposed new taxes on rare earth
materials and established stringent mining regulations to control demand. China currently controls close to 95% of the world's supply of rare materials.

How will this impact you?
Manufacturers are and will continue to pass along cost increases in the near future. As a result, pricing for fluorescent lamps are rising significantly. Manufacturers have stated the increases will continue at monthly intervals through 2012 and they are doing all they can to manage and control this situation. Do expect price increases on fluorescent and CFL lamps; however we will only be passing on the increases as they occur

What can you do?
1.Rumseys is closely monitor the phosphor situation and to strategically manage lamp purchases in an effort to minimize the overall impact on customers. Please read our Rumsey letter to customers.

2. Plan your fluorescent lamp purchases smarter -work with your Rumsey rep to take advantage of longer life fluorescents now available. In some cases, you can get double the life. Some new T5HO, and T8 Philips lamp now have a lamp life up to 40,000 hours.  

3. Look at other light sources too: Induction, LED, and HID. Rumsey can help you pick the smartest sources to minimize this problem and take the best action now. Discuss this whole issue in detail  with your Rumsey rep or contact us for more information.

4. Attend one of Philips Webinars every Tuesday at 1pm or 4pm to stay up to date on any changes.

For current updates, or for more information please keep checking this website www.philips.com/phosphor. Please feel free to contact Rumsey with any questions you may have.

 

 

How Long Does It Take To Get A Rebate Check?

 

One question that we frequently hear from our customers is, "How long does it take to get a rebate check?" To answer the question, we looked at several thousand projects that took place across the nation last year. The graph below illustrates how long it took to receive the final rebate check after the installation of the equipment.

 

As you can see, the average is around 70 days, but can take as long as 120 days. During this time, paperwork has to be filled out, certifications signed, inspections performed and more. It's a lengthy process. Even if all the paperwork is filled out correctly, utilities and government organizations receive thousands of rebate applications a year so paperwork can easily get misplaced or forgotten. It takes a lot of attention and follow-up to ensure you get the rebate you're entitled to. 

 

Rumsey works with rebate company partners who specialize in rebates for energy efficiency projects, ensuring you get the most rebate dollars at no hassle.

 

Rumsey Walks their Talk with Distribution Center Lighting Upgrade and nets annual energy savings over $27,000 and rebate over $15,000

As a company who consults and helps customers save energy and upgrade their lighting to greener systems, Rumsey looked within to see how the new lighting and potential rebates could reduce rising energy costs as well as upgrade the current lighting system.  Rumsey decided to start with our main and largest warehouse at company headquarters in Conshohocken, PA.

The older warehouse system utilized high efficiency 400 watt metal halide lamps and there were some problems:  significant light depreciation, color shift, and a long warm up preventing the use of lighting controls. After exploring several systems Rumsey decided on the new state of the art fixture IBZT5HO by Lithonia which uses 4 very efficient Philips 49 watt T5 HO lamps. The new system will reduce energy costs 52% with annual energy savings over $27,000, light levels are up over 15% with much better color rendition, and the new lighting has really improved all aspects of the space. Rumsey also put about 25% of the fixtures on Sensor Switch occupancy sensors which automatically turn off the fixture when no one is in the area. Since these fixtures turn on instantly, there was no compromise on safety or function in those areas.  In addition, Rumsey took advantage of the PECO Smart Ideas program and will get a onetime rebate of over $15,000.

The energy savings will repeat year after year and the rebate helped reduce the initial investment to make the upgrade very appealing to implement. Said Scott Cutler, Rumsey CFO "with the immediate energy savings and less than 2.5 year payback we are investigating replacing fixtures in all locations. In addition, the illumination has added a more efficient atmosphere for employees as well as anybody that walks through our facilities." Rumsey is now looking at other locations to identify other areas and savings. Interested in learning more? Find out how Rumsey can do the same for you and contact us at rgirondo@rumsey.com or call your Account Manager today.

Electric Rate Shopping Information Available

The rate caps on electricity came off of four Pennsylvania utility companies at the end of this past year, with this region's biggest supplier, PECO, being one of them. Effective January 1, you will be able to choose the company that supplies electricity to your home or business. Shopping can save you money on your electric bill.

We would like to point out that the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate, headed by Sonny Popowsky, has a comprehensive website that lists the energy rates www.oca.state.pa.us for a number of suppliers and compares them with the rates offered by PECO. You can find that information there , or by calling 1-800-684-6560.

In addition, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission provides information about electric rate caps and electric choice. You can find that on their website www.PAPowerSwitch.com, or by calling 1-800-692-7380.
You will have the ability to shop for an electric provider of your choice, or you can retain PECO as your supplier. Information is the key to making the best possible choice.

By law, PECO is not permitted to make a profit on the electricity it sells to customers. Their profits are derived from distribution charges, in other words, the rates charged to deliver the electricity. PECO is encouraging its customers to shop. A competitive provider may be able to offer you electric generation at lower rates than PECO does today. If you choose to purchase electricity from another provider, PECO will continue to deliver your electricity, respond to outage calls and provide you with safe, reliable service. In most cases, you will continue to receive a single monthly bill from PECO that contains all of your electric charges. If your not served by PECO, chances are your utility company is going through the same changes and has similar choices.

Need a Rebate Compliance Guide?

On the topic of utility companies, Rumsey has created guides for the PECO and PPL rebates which include many product recommendations that fully comply. Contact us if you want a copy or need help as it will make your process much easier

 

Make a simple switch with Philips AllStart CDM lamp

Philips introduces AllStart CDM Lamps, a direct retrofit with immediate energy savings! Philips Energy Advantage CDM lamps with AllStartTechnology is a high efficiency protected CDM lighting solution that provides up to 18% energy savings without compromising light quality. This truly universal lamp is a direct retrofit for both probe and pulse start ballasts and is rated for more than 20,000 hours. The 205 watt or 330 watt lamps will replace almost all your probe and pulse lamps, drastically reducing your inventory. Check out some before and after pictures below!

 

Both images show a switch from traditional metal halide to Philips Energy Advantage CDM with AllStart™ Technology

 

Lithonia Introduces an Energy Efficient solution for high ambient temps

The I-BEAM fluorescent high bay with Cool Running™ Technology from Lithonia is the first T5HO fluorescent high bay that is UL/C-UL Listed to operate in environments up to 65ºC (149ºF). I-BEAM® combines the benefit ts of energy efficiency, lighting quality, and high-ambient suitability to ensure an optimal lighting solution for warehouse applications. I-BEAM also delivers up to 50% in energy savings over 400 watt metal halide which means a typical payback of about 14 months. Find out how much you can save .

 

Rockwell Automation's FanMaster™ Energy Saving Package

The Allen-Bradley FanMaster energy saving package from Rockwell Automation allows users to convert a constant volume heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) air handler to variable air flow without changes to existing mechanical systems and controls.

HVAC systems consume a large amount of a building’s operating costs. It makes sense to ensure these systems are running as efficiently as possible. Many HVAC systems use constant volume air-handling units with simple on/off controls. Upgrading a user’s constant volume air handler to variable flow allows the user to save energy by being able to control the speed of the fan.

Converting a constant flow HVAC system to a variable air flow system used to be a complex and costly task. With the FanMaster energy saving package, that is no longer the case with its integrated control – designed to deliver more energy savings at a fraction of the cost when compared to a traditional hardware retrofit conversion. Download this calculator to see potential energy savings using data for
your specific geographical region or visit this link for more information.

Panduit - PANELMAX will save you time and money

PANDUIT® PANELMAX™ DIN Rail Wiring Duct is an innovative wire management solution that maximizes space utilization within industrial enclosures, for flexibility in panel layout and reduced material and installation costs. The unique design raises components from the panel surface for easier component access and faster connections. Three sizes of the DIN Rail Wiring Duct base are compatible with common DIN rail and DIN mount components1 to satisfy a wide range of applications. The Space saving design allows positioning of DIN rail and components directly above an integrated wire management channel for up to a 30% smaller footprint. DIN rail mounts directly to wiring duct with plastic thread cutting screws for up to 40% faster duct and rail installation and reduced labor costs
Learn more...

- View the Introduction Video
- View the Product Bulletin
- View the Product Drawings
- Request Your Free Sample

Optanium - High-efficiency electronic ballasts

Versatile and high-performing, Philips Lighting Technologies (formly Advance) Optanium high-efficiency electronic ballasts represent a breakthrough in fluorescent T8 system componentry. Engineered to optimize lighting performance and maximize energy savings, Optanium ballasts from Advance provide an unparalleled package of features, advantages and benefits to optimally support the market's wide variety of T8 fluorescent lamps. Offered in a broad range of options, Optanium ballasts enable T8 lighting systems to reach their full potential and represent the industry's most flexible and comprehensive family of high-efficiency lighting solutions.
Exclusive from Philips Lighting and Advance....New 25W T8 Fluorescent Lamp System!
For optimized system performance, the new jointly-developed fluorescent T8 system comprised of Philips Lighting's Energy Advantage 25W T8 Fluorescent Lamps featuring ALTO® Lamp Technology and Philips Lighting Technologies' (formly Advance) high-efficiency Optanium electronic ballasts currently represent the lowest energy-consuming 4-foot T8 system on the market. Optimized by Philips Lighting and Philips Lighting Technologies (formly Advance) for both instant start or programmed start ignition, the system represents a breakthrough in long life and low energy-consumption lighting and offers a range of powerful and unprecedented features. More information on this exclusive system.

Start Saving with Solar Powered Attic fans from Broan-Nutone
Too often, attic ventilation is overlooked, not to mention ignored as a place for energy savings. That’s where Broan attic ventilation solutions make sense. Consider this: air trapped in your attic can easily reach 150˚ or more. Left untreated, that heat finds its way into your home, increasing the load on your air conditioner. With a Broan attic fan, you could lower your attic temperature up to 60 degrees F. That’s why attic ventilation is critical to making any home more comfortable while lowering energy costs. Air-conditioners can run less and won’t have to work as hard. And now, Broan offers you Environmentally friendly solutions to your attic ventilation needs. Broan Solar Powered Attic Ventilators operate without fuel, waste or pollution. And because they are a totally solar-powered solution, they can count as points towards Green building.
How does a Solar PAV compare to a Standard PAV in cost?