CGE Energy (CGE) is saving Golling Automotive Group (Golling) $1.4 million in energy costs over the next 10 years by upgrading lighting at four southeast Michigan dealership locations. This is a savings of nearly 80 percent in total energy costs. The project was just completed by CGE's install team, and Golling will see a return on their investment in less than 14 months.

The upgrade includes installing Cree LED lighting to illuminate dealership lots in Lake Orion, Bloomfield Hills and two in Waterford, MI. Not only are LED lights brighter and more direct, they reduced the number of total fixtures needed for this project by 20 percent.

"I am very pleased with the light levels and how the lighting looks," said Joe Ellsasser, General Manager at Golling Automotive Group. "We're saving money from day one, and we're doing it in a very environmentally responsible way."

CGE helped qualify Golling to receive $57,885 in energy rebates to reduce the total project cost. Golling will immediately realize an average of $13,052 in energy savings per month. In addition to the initial installation, CGE will also maintain Golling's indoor and outdoor lighting through its RAMP Lighting Maintenance program.

"With the days being shorter in winter, now is a great time to upgrade exterior lighting," said Bryan Zaplitny President of CGE Energy. "Reduced energy bills and increased energy efficiency constitute an all-around win in sustainability for the customer."

To date, CGE has saved customers over $44 million and 370 million kilowatts of energy. CGE's efficiency programs and renewable energy offerings have also prevented the release of nearly 600 million pounds of CO2.