Why do local utilities provide Rebate Incentive Programs?

The commercial sector in California represents 5 billion-plus square feet of highly diverse space, including but not limited to: office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, schools, hospitals, and public buildings. Commercial buildings consume more electricity than any other sector in California and constitutes about 38% of the state's power use. Given the large portion of energy use that comes from this sector, commercial buildings are the focus of several state policies focused on substantially reducing building energy usage within this sector.

Reducing energy consumption through lighting technologies and practices is one of the most effective ways to reduce overall energy consumption. Lighting comprises one-fourth of all of California's electricity use. Lighting accounts for 22% of electricity consumption in the residential sector and 35% in the non-residential sector.

Local utilities offer rebates to reduce the cost of energy efficient lighting products, introduce new energy efficient lighting products, and strive to influence the future purchasing and installation behaviors of residential customers. An array of product types, models, and technologies are offered, including specialty CFLs and light emitting diodes (LED).

source: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/egyefficiency/