PetroCard, a fuels distributor, announced plans to upgrade 15 of its fueling stations with energy-efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) overhead fixtures which will reduce the company's energy use and associated costs by more than 40 percent. LEDs have already been installed in the canopies at three PetroCard facilities in Kent, Pacific, Lynnwood, as well as a PetroCard supplied "76" branded station in Seattle. The additional 12 stations throughout Washington state will be completed by the end of 2010. The LED fixtures are also much brighter than previous lights, providing the additional benefit of making PetroCard's 24-hour, 7 days-a-week stations well-lit at all hours.

"Our investment in energy-efficient lighting has both short- and long-term financial advantages for our business," said Selim Abounader, Cardlock Manager of PetroCard. "These savings will allow us to stay competitive in the market while significantly reducing our energy footprint. By partnering on these upgrades with our retail branded dealers, we can help save our customers money in these times when every penny counts."

PetroCard is working with Light Doctor, a Seattle-area commercial lighting services provider, to design and install the LED systems. According to Light Doctor, PetroCard will see a full return on its initial investment in as few as four years.

"Our design process shows how energy-efficient lighting is first and foremost a smart economic decision for businesses," said Don Nielsen, Chairman of Light Doctor. "The added bonus of these types of upgrades is the valuable environmental benefits that are realized."

PetroCard also leveraged incentives for commercial-scale efficiency upgrades from Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Seattle City Light, and Snohomish Public Utilities District. These incentives provided 25 to 50 percent of the total project costs including LED fixtures and installation.

"Increasing energy efficiency is one of the best investments PetroCard can make to help meet the growing demand for electricity in the region," said Bill Younger, manager of Business Energy Management for PSE. "This program is a win for PetroCard, PSE, and the customers we both serve."

PetroCard's LED installation is another sign of the company's commitment to sustainable business practices in the fueling industry. In 2009, the company opened Seattle's first "Clean N' Green" compressed natural gas (CNG) filling station to provide customers an affordable and environmentally-friendly fuel which produces 25 percent fewer greenhouse gases than conventional diesel engines. The lighting upgrades further reduce the environmental impact of company operations. PetroCard will continue to research and implement other new technologies when appropriate to save money, respond to customer demand and reduce costs.