“Better lighting at lower operating costs - makes a lot of sense,” said Ed Perry, President of Dolson Auto & Tire in Middletown, “if your business is like mine – you’ll definitely save money. I was very impressed,” he added.

Dolson Auto & Tire prides itself on providing customers with ‘peace of mind’ so Perry wanted to make sure the energy efficiency work wouldn’t interfere with the store automotive work.

“My customers need their cars serviced yesterday, so my shop can’t stop. The contractors understood that and the lighting work was completed in one day. Not bad for a 7,000 sq. ft. shop,” Perry added.

Dolson Auto and Tire recently participated in Orange & Rockland (O&R)’s Small Business Direct Install Program. The program provides small businesses with a free energy assessment and will pay up to 70 percent of the cost of new energy-savings equipment recommended. This includes lighting fixtures and bulbs, programmable thermostats, occupancy sensors and other energy-savings measures that result in lower bills.

As a result of the O&R program, Dolson Auto & Tire upgraded its entire lighting system. The program has reduced Perry’s monthly utility costs and improved the work environment. “On an ongoing basis we’re seeing about $200 reduction in our electric bills per month and the quality of light is better than what we had before,” he added. 

Reflecting on the savings Perry concluded, “from a business perspective the savings makes a big difference. If you can reduce your expenses on a recurring cost, you can use that money elsewhere in your operation...to improve the overall business.”