LiveSmart BC Business Energy Testimonial

Gerick Sports, Cranbrook

Mike Stephen is a young entrepreneur who owns and operates Gerick Sports in Cranbrook. He is dedicated to finding ways to save time to benefit his family life and to save money to keep his business competitive. It’s a balancing act that is common with many business operators.  Mike asked, “What are you short of the most?…TIME!” and building maintenance was something he wanted to reduce.

Gerick Sports used an abundance of halogen flood lamps to illuminate their retail space. The heat from the bulbs created temperature control issues resulting in higher electricity bills and maintenance costs. Additionally, the heat limited the longevity of the bulbs so Mike was constantly buying new ones and using up precious time to replace them. He was aware that LED bulbs lasted for 20+ years and waited for them to become powerful enough to replace the halogens. The LiveSmart BC Small Business Program was brought to his attention while pricing out LED bulbs at EECOL Electric, Cranbrook.

Mike phoned LiveSmart BC, Kootenay Region Business Energy Advisor, Marilyn Christensen, who confirmed his eligibility for the BC Hydro Product Incentive Program. She offered a free Business Energy assessment and an itemized energy report for Mike and guided him through the program specifics and application process. “Marilyn knows what she’s doing. She was confident and quick,” shares Mike, as he describes his experience.

Since there were no fixtures to replace, only bulbs, Mike did the change out himself. No contractor was needed. Marilyn made sure the products he chose were on the BC Hydro Rebate list and advised him on the requirements for receipts and verification process of the old bulbs.

Mike says he has already saved a lot of time in maintenance costs. He is also quite happy that his initial investment in the new LED bulbs was reduced by the BC Hydro rebates. “If you can’t afford the change out, show the bank the numbers,” recommends Mike referencing his LiveSmart BC report “In my scenario, it would have been foolish not to do it.”

The experience has prompted Mike to have new display cases custom made with LED strip lighting for Gerick Sports. Once again he hopes this will reduce the heat problem on products that are displayed inside and use less electricity and bulbs.

Top photo: Gerick Sports business owner Mike Stephen beside his new display case with LED strip lighting and above him shines the upgraded LED track lighting.

by Maureen Frank, LiveSmart BC Administrative Assistant, Kootenay Region & Marilyn Christensen, LiveSmart BC Business Energy Advisor, Kootenay Region

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