Undated 5/30/12

Both utilites now plan on dropping rebates on T12 lamps as of July 31st 2012.

We have been informed that Consumers Energy will not be offering rebates for retrofitting T12 fixtures to T8 lamps and ballasts next year.

The primary reason is T12 lamps are set for final phase out as of July 1st, 2012. The phase out has been ongoing since 2005.

We highly recommend that anyone with T12 (old 4' lamps) or F96 (old 8' lamps) convert their lighting systems now. You may still find old T12 and F96 lamps on the grey market (eBay, Craigslist etc) for a while but soon they will be gone and you will be stuck. New T8 (4') lamps will not work with your old T12 ballasts. As T12 lamps become scarce the price will most likely go up even if you can find them.

You should also consider changing because the T8 lighting systems can use up to 45% less energy compared the old T12 systems.

Be advised that T8 700 series lamps are also being phased out. We are getting lots of offers right now for bulk buys of these lamps and have not used them in a project for years. If you are considering a retrofit, make sure your contractor is using the latest 800 series lamps that meet the new standard. Your facility will look much better if you do.

Here is the press release from Consumers Energy.

"Consumers Energy encourages our commercial and industrial customers to act now to replace existing T12 lighting systems with more efficient T8 or T5 systems while rebates are still available.  Consumers Energy only will accept rebate applications for T12 lamp and fixture upgrades until Nov. 30, 2012 or annual funding is exhausted, whichever comes first.

Consumers Energy’s Business Solutions energy efficiency program has offered its business customers rebates for proactive T12 lamp and fixture upgrades since 2009.  The rebate’s conclusion stems from a U.S. Department of Energy mandate requiring the phase-out of T12 magnetic ballasts (which ceased production in 2010) and fluorescent lamps, which are scheduled to cease production in July 2012.  As existing stocks of T12 lamps and magnetic ballasts are exhausted, customers will need to upgrade their lighting systems to new electronic ballasts and T8 or T5 lamps, which are as much as 30 percent more efficient than T12 technology."

UPDATE: We asked DTE for a response to this announcement by Consumers Energy. Here is their response: "It’s not been determined for certain, but it is likely that we will not be giving incentives for T-12 removal in 2013."