Upgrading lighting across a large facility can feel overwhelming—especially when budgets are tight and the number of fixtures reaches into the thousands. For Dunwoody United Methodist Church (UMC) in Georgia, that challenge was very real. With more than 2,500 bulbs in need of replacement, the church needed a solution that was both cost-effective and easy to implement.
Here’s how they turned a daunting upgrade into a high-impact success.
The Challenge: A Large Facility with Growing Costs
Dunwoody UMC was facing several common—but significant—obstacles:
- Rising electric bills impacting their budget
- A large, aging facility in need of modernization
- High upfront costs associated with lighting upgrades
- Uncertainty around which lighting products to choose
Despite having already upgraded some lighting, there was still a long way to go. The scale of the project made it difficult to move forward without the right guidance and financial approach.
The Solution: Simplifying Upgrades with UtilityGenius
To tackle these challenges, Dunwoody UMC partnered with UtilityGenius Commercial Storefront, which provided a streamlined, cost-effective path forward.
The approach focused on three key areas:
1. Identifying the Right Products
The UtilityGenius team worked closely with the church to determine the exact bulbs and lighting solutions needed for their facility—eliminating guesswork and ensuring optimal performance.
2. Leveraging Utility Rebates
By utilizing Georgia Power and Light’s Instant Rebate Program, the project qualified for significant rebates. These savings were applied instantly at checkout, reducing upfront costs without requiring complex paperwork.
3. Making the Project Immediately Feasible
With rebates and expert guidance combined, the church was able to reduce total project costs by more than 40%, turning a previously overwhelming upgrade into an achievable investment.
The Results: Significant Savings & Immediate Impact
The lighting upgrade delivered measurable results across the board:
- 40% savings on quality LED lighting
- 50,400 kWh in energy savings
- 45,022 lbs of carbon emissions reduced
These improvements not only lowered operational costs but also contributed to a more sustainable and energy-efficient facility.
Customer Experience
Dunwoody UMC highlighted the value of having a knowledgeable partner throughout the process:
“Our church had over 2,500 bulbs in need of replacement… The UtilityGenius team assisted us to identify the specific bulb needed for this project and their customer service and low pricing will keep us coming back to shop again and again!”
Final Takeaway
For organizations managing large facilities, lighting upgrades don’t have to be complicated or cost-prohibitive. With the right combination of expert support and rebate integration, even large-scale projects can become simple, affordable, and impactful.
Dunwoody United Methodist Church’s success demonstrates how strategic upgrades can deliver immediate savings, long-term efficiency, and meaningful environmental benefits—all without added complexity.
