I get a lot of simple requests for spaces with lensed troffers and parabolics. Since I am an eco-nut, you will probably get a layout back that is more eneryg efficient. Have you looked at those alternates? I won't be too hurt if you answer negative.

I know times are tough. I certainly have plenty to do as well. I really am not just trying to sell you more expensive stuff. These are truly better options.

You can save power, money, spew into the air, and destruction of the Earth in other ways today by making the energy-efficient choice. Pulse-start lamps are now forced on us because we (as the lighting industry) collectively dropped the ball. Can we maybe move to high-efficiency fluorescent lamps and ballasts and get 102 lpW (lumes per Watt) instead of 82 lpW out of "old-school T8"? Can we maybe do that before the government forces us?

Why not? It is a 25% savings. Remember that 17 month payback on the pulse-start in my last post? Well, it costs about $10 to save that 20W. I'll cut to the chase this time - it is a 2 year payback. And you know what? The "fancy T8" have 42000 hour life and the "old-school" 735 phosphor lamps have 25000.

The next time you get an RT5, ES8, or even simply an alternate lamp-ballast when you ask me for a parabolic or lensed troffer layout, please at least give my options a quick look.

Now, what if you paid the national average of $0.10/kWh? What if you lived on Oahu (I know, cry them a river) and paid $0.22!?! Who says you don't pay that much real soon ... and why shouldn't you? Is there a reason the cost of these resources should decrease (don't forget about inflation) with a limited supply and increased demand? Nope.

Do you complain about milk being $3 a gallon? How much do oyu now pay for your microbrew with the hops shortage? Do you think that price will go back down? Will that keep you from buying your favorite IPA? ... probably not ... and what is your payback on IPA again ...