Palace Casino Resort continues to make improvements to reduce energy usage by converting its exterior lighting. The resort’s most recent project included replacing 563 exterior fixtures with LED lighting and is projected to reduce related energy use by 80%, from 866,589 kilowatt-hours annually to only 176,281 kilowatt-hours.
The total cost of the project was $128,000. The Palace has been working with Mississippi Power through its Large Commercial/Industrial Business Program and expects to receive an incentive check from the program for $41,387.00, bringing the total investment down to $86,613. Based on projected energy savings of $55,225 per year, the return on the investment will be realized in less than two years.
Last year, Palace Casino Resort also received an energy efficiency rebate from Mississippi Power for the resort’s energy efficiency accomplishment in the Large Commercial/Industrial Business Program. The U.S Department of Energy reports that commercial buildings account for 36% of all U.S. electricity consumption. The commercial energy efficiency program sponsored by Mississippi Power encourages participants to reduce energy operating costs.
“We are dedicated to helping our customers lower their overall energy costs and make smart energy choices,” said Ben Doughman, Mississippi Power energy efficiency team leader. “These programs are designed to help customers save both energy and money.”
Palace Casino Resort was awarded a $15,000 incentive check in 2015 for the resort’s greenhouse gas reduction through retrofitting of interior lighting.
“Palace Casino Resort is committed to green practices such as recycling and energy conservation,” said General Manager Keith Crosby. “The LED lighting project makes good business sense, but helping our local community and the entire planet by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions is the biggest benefit,” Crosby continued.
In June 2015, TripAdvisor awarded Palace Casino Resort the status of a Silver Level GreenLeader. Environmentally conscious travelers can search for accommodations that have TripAdvisor GreenLeaders status on the TripAdvisor site and view a detailed list of environmentally-friendly practices that they can expect at each location.