Sustainable: LEDs lighten utility bills for businesses

Last winter Opportunity Distributing Inc. spent about $11,000 to change lights in its Minnetonka warehouse to LEDs. The move has created a brighter space, a smaller utility bill and a more comfortable indoor environment. Working with the Minneapolis-based Center for Energy and Environment, owner Chuck Welle said he had two replacement options, fluorescent bulbs or LEDs for the 9,000-square-foot warehouse at 15408 Minnetonka Industrial Road, where his information technology re-marketing company is located. While the replacement cost would have been recouped faster with fluorescent bulbs, he chose LEDs because they offer better quality light and less maintenance due to their longevity.