PECO Small Business Direct Install Solutions
Case Study – Convenience Store

Energy Upgrades Increase Savings and Safety at Landhope Farms

Photo of a municipal building.

Total Project Energy Savings

  • $16,308 (Annual)
  • 135,567 kWh

Incentives Paid

  • $22,510 (Store 1)

Ten-Year Savings

  • $166,604

Since opening its flagship store inside a refurbished dairy barn in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Landhope Farms has been a leading regional, fullservice convenience store chain. The company maintains a homegrown feel by consistently treating customers to fast, friendly service in an inviting atmosphere.

When that bright environment started to dim at two area stores, Asset Manager Michael Bucklin began considering upgrades to improve lighting at both locations. That’s when he called PECO.

From that point forward, Bucklin said the experience was phenomenal. At a complimentary on-site energy audit, a PECO professional advised him that LED lighting and new refrigeration motors could help save energy and money at the stores. He also explained how PECO would work with Landhope Farms to directly install the energy-saving measures and get incentives to help reduce initial upgrade costs.

“He showed the cost savings and was back in a week with the breakdown of the fixtures to make sure they were in line with what we were looking for,” said Bucklin, noting how that exceptional service continued through the entire upgrade process.

Switching both interior and exterior lighting to LEDs and upgrading the motors in the refrigerators at both Landhope Farms’ Pennsylvania locations took less than a week. At the time, one of the stores was undergoing a major renovation, so the energy efficiency upgrades had no effect on operations. Bucklin lauded the professionals who courteously worked around customers and never interrupted operations at the Kennett Square flagship store, which also houses the company’s corporate headquarters and other office spaces on the building’s second floor.

“Half the time, we didn’t even know the contractors were there until the lights popped back on and it was brighter. They were great!” said Bucklin.

Now, Landhope Farms enjoys daily energy savings that increase the bottom line. Following the installation, the stores saved a combined $2,300 in the first three months alone. Customers and employees also enjoy a brighter, safer environment as the new LED lighting better illuminates the parking lots at both stores.

The only thing Bucklin would do differently next time around? “I’d call PECO first,” he said.

Photo of Landhope Farms' managers grabbing a cup of coffee.
Exterior photo of Landhope Farms during the day.
Photo of the refrigerators with their new motors saving energy.
We saw immediate savings and our customers tell us how much they appreciate it. It’s a win-win. I wish we had more sites in Pennsylvania where we could make upgrades with PECO.”

—Michael Bucklin, Asset Manager
Landhope Farms