Fort Collins is joining a growing number of Colorado communities switching to more sustainable practices, and a big part of that is a new emphasis on LED lighting. This change makes a lot of sense – it means less energy used, lower bills for homes and businesses, and a smaller impact on the environment. But figuring out exactly what the new rules are and making sure everything’s up to code can be a real headache. That’s where we come in at Eggers Electric. We’re here to take the guesswork out of the equation and make the whole process smooth and easy.
Light’s Out for Old Bulbs: Understanding Colorado’s LED Mandate
Fort Collins’ new lighting rules are part of a bigger effort across Colorado to use energy more wisely. This push is being driven by new laws, including House Bill 23-1161 and House Bill 21-1286, which affect how we light our buildings and how much energy those buildings use.
Think of House Bill 23-1161 as the “Clean Lighting Act.” It’s all about getting rid of old-fashioned light bulbs that are bad for the environment. Starting in 2025, you won’t be able to buy or sell most fluorescent bulbs that contain mercury in Colorado. This means we’ll need to switch to better options, like LEDs.
House Bill 21-1286 takes a different approach. It requires large building owners to track and report how much energy they use each year. It also makes it easier for them to get this energy data from their utility companies. The goal is to push these buildings to use less energy and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions – 7% less by 2026, and a whopping 20% less by 2030. This is based on comparing energy use to what it was in 2021.
Fort Collins is probably following the lead of the state on this, with its own rules about switching to LED lights. This means getting rid of older, less efficient lighting and encouraging everyone to use LEDs (those energy-saving light bulbs).
These kinds of rules usually affect things like new buildings going up, renovations happening in older buildings, and maybe even streetlights.
Navigating the Challenges of Transition
Switching to LED lighting is definitely a good thing in the long run, but getting there can be a bit of a hassle. Homeowners might be scratching their heads trying to figure out which old lights need to go, what kind of new LED bulbs to buy for different rooms, and who to hire to do the electrical work.
Businesses have an even bigger challenge on their hands. Think massive overhauls of their lighting systems, complicated wiring, and the need to keep things running smoothly while all this is happening.
And on top of everything else, everyone has to make sure they’re following all the local and state rules, which means keeping good records and sticking to the guidelines.
How Eggers Electric Can Help
We at Eggers Electric are ready to help you make this switch as easy as possible. We’re experts at navigating the new LED rules in Colorado and keeping up with all the energy efficiency laws coming out of the state. Here’s how we can help:
Figuring Out What You Need: Our electricians know their stuff. They’ll come take a look at your current lighting and give you personalized advice on what kind of LEDs to get. We’ll make sure it all fits with what Fort Collins is requiring, plus keep in mind the bigger picture of those state laws, HB 23-1161 and HB 21-1286. We’ll explain all the technical details – different bulbs, color, brightness – so you get the best lighting for your place.
Getting the Job Done Right: We’ll handle everything, from taking out the old lights to wiring in the new LEDs. We’re careful and efficient, and we always make sure everything is safe and up to code. We’re trained to work with all kinds of electrical systems, and we’ll do our best to keep any disruption to your home or business to a minimum.
Staying on the Right Side of the Law: We know the Colorado LED rules inside and out, and we’ll help you stay in compliance. We’ll deal with the paperwork and make sure everything is properly documented, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Saving Even More Energy (Especially for Businesses): If you’re a business and want to really maximize your energy savings – and meet those HB 21-1286 reporting requirements – we can do a full energy audit. We’ll check out how you’re using energy now and pinpoint the areas where switching to LEDs will make the biggest difference.
Keeping Things Bright: We’re not just here for the installation. We also offer maintenance and repair services to keep your LED lighting working perfectly for the long haul.
Why Choose Eggers Electric?
- We’re your Fort Collins neighbors: We’re not some big out-of-town company. We live and work here, so we understand what this community needs.
- Qualified and reliable: Our electricians are fully licensed and insured. You can relax knowing the job is in good hands.
- We put you first: We’re all about making our customers happy. We’ll work with you to find the perfect solutions for your home or business.
- Fair prices: We’re committed to giving you great value for your money.
Take the Next Steps
Ready to make the switch to LED lighting? This is a real chance for Fort Collins to move towards a more sustainable way of life, and it all starts with energy-efficient choices. We know navigating the new rules can feel like a lot, but we’re here to help. Get in touch with us at Eggers Electric for a FREE consultation. We’ll walk you through the process step by step and make it easy.
Check out our website at eggerselectric.com or give us a call at 970-669-1883 to find out how we can light up your home or business – and contribute to a brighter future for our community. We’re proud to serve Fort Collins and the surrounding area.
Let Eggers Electric light the way to a more sustainable you.
