Colorado Customers, Platte River Power Authority

BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM L PRIZE® FIELD TESTING: Colorado Customers, Platte River Power Authority It is easy to quantify the energy savings delivered by the Philips 60W substitution lamp. But what about measuring aesthetics? Here is how one L Prize partner tackled the challenge—and inspired a budding engineer in the “A Brighter Future” was the title of the science fair project process. developed by a member of one of the three households participating in the Platte River Power Authority field tests. On paper, Philips Lighting North Illumination measurements comparing the LED lamp with an America’s L Prize submission looked incandescent 60-watt bulb were one feature of the project. attractive to the Platte River Power (Congratulations on the “A”, Jay!) Photos courtesy of Platte River Authority, delivering light output Power Authority. equivalent to or better than a 60-watt incandescent bulb while “drawing less” Gauging User Satisfaction with those of DOE, Philips began than 10 watts of electricity. But what By surveying 30 users and occupants improving the dimming capabilities of its would users think about the quality of the at the six sites, Platte River measured lamp during L Prize testing; the product to light? Would it deliver on the aesthetic the level of satisfaction with the lamps. be marketed by the company incorporates front as well as the energy-saving front? Results—summarized on the back these refinements.) Answering this question was integral to page—indicated that the lamp was Each field test also included measure- the field testing conducted by Platte River positively perceived by a strong majority ments of instantaneous power (watts), Power Authority, an L Prize partner, in Fall of respondents in terms of its brightness, amps, volts, and power factor, taken first 2010. An electric utility serving the color, and positive impact on visibility; in the Platte River office with a light bar Mountain/Central region, Platte River 80 percent said they would recommend and kilowatt meter prior to installation, engaged both residential and commercial the lamps to others. As one homeowner and again about two months after the customers in field tests in the cities of Fort put it, “I think it comes down to cost lamps were installed in the test locations. Collins, Loveland, and Longmont, effectiveness. It is a great light bulb. I Energy use was calculated based on the Colorado. In total, the utility installed 60 love the warmth and brightness.” Another estimated hours of operation of each samples of the LED 60-watt replacement took note of the lamp’s non-traditional fixture type, and illumination measure- lamp in commonly used fixtures at six appearance: “At first I thought the bulb ments (foot-candles) were taken at sites: three single-family homes, a lighting looked funny but loved it in the fixture various points around the fixtures where show-room, a restaurant, and a hotel. In and the light output.” conditions permitted, comparing levels the residential locations, fixture types When asked whether they noticed any delivered by 60-watt incandescent bulbs included outdoor sconces, porch lights, problems with the light, 16 of the 30 and with the LED lamps. Generally, bathroom sconces and vanity fixtures, respondents cited no issues; 6 noted an the Philips lamp was found to deliver pendants, ceiling rounds, ceiling fans, floor odd color (when dimmed); illumination levels on par with, or slightly lamps, and table lamps; in the commercial 4 cited an issue with glare; 4 mentioned brighter than, the 60-watt incandescent. spaces, they included chandelier up-lights, uneven lighting; 1 noted a different light wall- swinger reading fixtures, pendants, In its cost-effectiveness analysis, Platte distribution; and 1 did not specify the River anticipated the use of a utility desk lamps, ceiling round fixtures, floor issue. (Based on its own test results, along lamps, and surface-mounted glass fixtures. rebate program to support the market BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM introduction of the L Prize winner in mass market applications. According to and appropriate applications that will the 60-watt category, on the assumption the Platte River field test report, “We achieve the maximum energy savings.” that, at initial retail price points, the lamp believe it will be important to educate our would not be cost-competitive for typical customers of the benefits of LED bulbs Hitting the Right Notes Surveys of 30 occupants at residential and commercial field test sites indicated satisfaction with the key performance aspects of the Philips lamp in a variety of applications. Is the lighting too dim? Too bright? Is the color of the lighting too cool Does the lighting have a positive, Just right? (blue) or too warm (yellow)? negative, or neutral impact on your ability to see clearly in this space? 30 30 30 25 25 25 21 20 19 20 19 20 15 15 15 10 10 10 6 6 7 5 3 5 4 5 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 Too Somewhat Just Somewhat Too Too Somewhat Just Somewhat Too Negative Neutral Positive dim dim right bright bright cool cool right warm warm impact impact impact One not responding One not responding Would you recommend this type Do you like the dimming capability Overall impression? of lighting to others? of this bulb (if applicable)? 30 30 30 25 25 25 20 20 20 17 15 15 15 10 10 10 10 9 7 7 5 6 5 4 5 4 5 2 2 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 Definitely No May or Yes Definitely No Somewhat Neutral Good Definitely Bad Okay Neutral Good Love it! not may not would Ten not responding For More Information For more information about the L Prize competition, sponsored by DOE’s Solid-State Lighting program, see lightingprize.org. No light bulb in history has endured more extensive public testing than the winning L Prize entry from Philips Lighting North America. A highly energy-efficient replacement for the 60-watt incandescent bulb, the March 2012 Philips lamp stood up to rigorous assess- Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least ments in the laboratory and in the field. 50% wastepaper, including 10% post-consumer waste..

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