Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) has been awarded a USD 117,247.63 energy efficiency incentive via the Tennessee Valley Authority’s EnergyRight® for Business & Industry Program, in partnership with Memphis Light, Gas and Water.
The funding is a recognition of the large-scale LED lighting upgrade that is enabling a significant reduction in energy usage as well as delivering long-term operational benefits across Frederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM).
Before the upgrade, lighting in the terminal, parking facilities, cargo areas and across the exterior spaces of the airport came from more than 1,900 metal halide, compact fluorescent and high-pressure sodium lights, which, in addition to consuming a lot of energy, had become increasingly expensive to keep on and maintain.
The airport worked with TVA EnergyRight’s technical experts to locate ways in which to achieve significant savings opportunities by switching to modern LED systems.
The projection is for this switch to save more than 1.5GWh annually, which is roughly the electricity needed to power 220 US homes for a year.
With assistance from TVA EnergyRight and MLGW, the airport’s investment is estimated to pay for itself in less than six months, with a projected five-year return on investment (ROI) of almost USD 1 million.
Terry Blue, President and CEO of MSCAA, said:Upgrading to LED lighting throughout MEM is another step forward in our modernization strategy. This project allows us to simultaneously elevate the passenger experience, enhance safety, and lower operational costs.
MLGW, the local power company serving Memphis, supported the airport throughout the verification and incentive process, helping to make sure the upgrades aligned with wider energy-efficiency targets.
Doug McGowen, President and CEO of MLGW, said:Programs like this give local businesses and institutions access to technical expertise and incentives that can help turn energy-efficiency opportunities into real projects. The airport is a great example of what that partnership can accomplish: lower energy use, lower costs, modern infrastructure and a stronger return on investment.
TVA EnergyRight’s Business & Industry Program provides financial incentives as well as technical guidance to help businesses cut their energy use, bring down their operating costs and invest in reliable, efficient infrastructure.
Brian Smith, TVA Director of Customer Relations—West TN, said:TVA’s mission is to make life better for people in Memphis and throughout the Tennessee Valley. When we can help a major institution like the airport reduce energy use, improve facilities for passengers, and save money to make even more upgrades in the future, we’re doing what we set out to do. We’re proud to work alongside partners like MLGW and the Frederick W. Smith International Airport to deliver this incentive.
