St Vincent de Paul expects to save $15,000 next financial year in its energy costs after taking part in ActewAGL's the Big Business Light Switch program.
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The program switches existing lighting, usually fluorescent tubes, for energy-efficient LED alternatives.
ActewAGL's manager of energy efficiency Todd Eagles said since the program started in 2017, more than 1000 businesses and charities had had their lights switched.
The contribution of each site was individually assessed,. So far, 70 per cent of the businesses had not had to make a contribution; the remaining 30 per cent had, unusually due to the type of light required or because extra safety was necessary.
Mr Eagles said there was potential for businesses to save thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in energy and maintenance costs over years.
The new lights were also not as harsh as the old ones and were adjustable.
"We will basically not complete the program until the demand eases so there are opportunities now for businesses to get involved and make major savings," he said.
said five Vinnies stores in the ACT had made the switch to energy-efficient lighting and a sixth was on the cards, the Mitchell warehouse.
"We will save about $15,000 in the next financial year and savings over the next five years will be considerable," Mr Quinn said.
"It allows us to direct more money immediately into our Christmas programs and we simply couldn't have done it without the support of ActewAGL."