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The Energy Policy Act of 2005
In August of 2005, President Bush signed into law a new Energy Policy Act (EPAct). One of the most significant provisions of the new law offers tax incentives for the owners of commercial buildings. Section 1331 of the bill provides an accelerated tax deduction up to the complete cost of an energy-efficient lighting system, capped at a maximum of $0.60 per square foot.
According to the interim rules established by EPAct 2005, an upgrade or retrofit which can reduce lighting power density by 25% - 40% of the minimum requirement (standards have been published) qualifies for the per square foot deduction. Interim rules remain in effect until the Secretary of the Treasury issues final regulations (pending as of April 2006).
The potential tax deductions can mean a substantial difference in the ROI associated with your lighting project. SES has substantial expertise in engineering and design to optimize the energy savings, reduce lighting density, while meeting standards and workplace requirements. We have also developed customized models to project the tax savings and financial returns under alternative design scenarios. Finally, we stay on top of the EPAct provisions and provide the reporting and documentation that will be required to realize the tax deduction.
For more information on commercial lighting tax deductions:
http://www.lightingtaxdeduction.org/tax_deduction.html
or
http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm
Download a copy of The Energy Policy Act of 2005
(EPAct2005-Public-Law.pdf, 1.5MB).
Download Section 1331 of the Energy Policy Act
(EPAct-Provision1331.pdf, 55KB).
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association provides a forum for the standardization of electrical equipment to provide safe, effective and compatible electrical products. They also contribute to the electrical industry through public policy development. The Lighting System’s Division launched www.lightingtaxdeduction.org the website that provides information about EPAct’s commercial buildings tax deduction provision. To learn more about NEMA:
The Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition is a division of NEMA working to ensure the EPAct provision is implemented smoothly and to promote awareness and information about its benefits and energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings. The learn more about the coalition:
http://www.efficientbuildings.org/
The Lighting Controls Association is an adjunct of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). They are dedicated to educating the professional building design, construction and management communities about the benefits and operation of automatic switching an dimming controls. For articles, whitepapers and commentary about emerging trends and technology in the lighting industry go to:
http://www.aboutlightingcontrols.org/
ENERGY STAR© is a government program that offers businesses and consumer energy-efficient solutions, making it easy to save money while protecting the environment for future generations.
EPA’s ENERGY STAR© partnership for businesses offers a proven energy management strategy that helps in measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking savings and rewarding improvements.
For more information on ENERGY STAR©:
The Association of Energy Engineers is a dedicated group of over 9,000 professionals committed to helping their firms or clients increase energy efficiency, utilize innovative energy service options, enhance environmental management programs, upgrade facility operations and improve equipment performance. To learn more about the association and the certification programs Sun Energy Solutions participates in:
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America is committed to improving the lighted environment by bringing together those with lighting knowledge and by translating that knowledge into actions that benefit the public. They are the recognized technical authority on illumination and provider of over 100 technical publications developed for all lighting professionals. For more information on IESNA and the benefits of membership: