How a Local Beauty Supply Store Used PECO Incentives to Get LED Lighting Upgrades Covered

A no-cost, no-risk energy analysis led to $3,000 in annual energy cost savings — plus upgrades fully covered by PECO incentives.

When Jaehee Lee opened Young’s Beauty Supply in West Philadelphia in 2007, she wanted to provide for her family and help her customers feel beautiful. Lee, a first-generation Korean American, hoped her shop would be a fixture in the community and to offer an alternative to big mall retailers. Lee prides herself on her customers feeling comfortable and safe in her space. “I try to make the store really pretty,” she said, “with good music and lighting.”

Lee always thought the lighting could be improved to help the overall store experience. However, for her small business, “the cost of upgrades would have been a very significant amount for us,” said Lee.

That changed after Lee saw a neighboring business receiving a no-cost, no-risk energy analysis from a PECO Small Business Solutions provider. Lee followed up with the provider and requested an energy analysis.

Based on the analysis of the store, the provider was able to propose an extensive lighting upgrade project. The project was completed quickly, and, thanks to PECO Small Business Solutions, it qualified for over $15,000 in incentives, which covered the entire cost of the upgrade. “It was a relief to see the cost was fully covered by PECO and to see there are energy savings each month,” Lee said. “Saving money every month is a really welcome bonus, but I’m also happy to be contributing to the environment by not wasting energy.”

“I think about the emotions of the people who come and see this clean and bright store…And it helps build a relationship between me as a small business owner and the community.”

—Jaehee Lee, owner of Young’s Beauty Supply

Combined energy savings from the project will save Lee more than $3,000 a year. She loves the finished product, and the improved exterior lighting gives her peace of mind about safety and security. Best of all, the new interior lighting is even better than Lee hoped. The refreshed space feels warm and comfortable. “The new lighting sets the overall mood,” she said. “The ambience has improved. My customers can feel it.”

Ultimately, the improvements were about more than just good lighting. “I think about the emotions of the people who come and see this clean and bright store,” Lee said. “And it helps build a relationship between me as a small business owner and the community.”