In February of 2010 Nature’s Pantry in Buena Vista, owned by Tom Liverman, underwent a lighting renovation. Working with his local electric cooperative, Sangre de Cristo Electric, Tom upgraded the old fluorescent tube lights in the refrigerated cases and changed them to LED lights. He was able to secure a $720 rebate for the project from Sangre de Cristo Electric in conjunction with its power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc.

Immediately after the project was completed, Tom noticed that the products he kept next to the lights were not heating up, the labels were not fading and the produce was staying fresher longer. Tom also doesn’t have to run the air conditioning as much as he used to because the new LED lights don’t get as warm as the old fluorescent lights.

Nearly two years after the project, Tom is enjoying another benefit. He has reduced his electric usage by 4 percent and is saving about $40 per month on his electric bill.

Tom is extremely pleased with the help and the financial contribution he received from Sangre de Cristo Electric.

“I enjoyed working with Sangre de Cristo Electric and am happy with the project’s results,” Tom said. “I’ve worked on some other small energy efficiency projects in the store over the past year and have obviously realized some substantial results,” Tom commented.

—Linda Nyberg, member services representative