BGE Delivers Nearly $77,000 in Energy Efficient Upgrades to Enoch Pratt Free Library

BGE and the Enoch Pratt Free Library completed all-new energy efficiency improvements and upgrades to the Enoch Pratt Free Library's flagship branch, the Central Library on Cathedral Street in Baltimore City. The upgrades are projected to save the institution more than 84,000 kWh per year, enough to power seven Maryland homes for an entire year.

Backed by nearly $77,000 in financial incentives, local contractors upgraded more than 1,000 aging fixtures at the Central Library to energy-efficient LEDs, including improvements to the Eddie and Sylvia Brown African American Department, the Maryland State Library Resource Center, and the DeWayne Wickham Room, which helps reporters and researchers view highly sensitive materials.

Work included installing new light strip fixtures, U-bend lamps, compact fluorescent T8 lamps, LED Recessed Downlights, LED Linear Ambient Luminaires, custom lighting controls, and motion sensors.

"Our lighting was old and inefficient. It was costing the library to constantly change bulbs, and the outdated lights used a lot of energy. But people depend on libraries. We had to keep the lights on," said Lloyd Robinson, director of Building Services for the Enoch Pratt Free Library. "BGE's lighting upgrades save energy, save money, reduce maintenance demands, and enhance the library experience. You enter a room and it's dimly lit, it really doesn't give you a good feeling. But when you walk into a space that's nice, that's bright…it makes you feel secure. And that's the feeling we want the public to have. At the end of the day, we want to show people that we care. BGE helped make that possible. We thank BGE for their partnership and support for the Enoch Pratt Free Library."

"Through BGE's Energy Efficiency programs, we helped the Enoch Pratt Free Library modernize with LEDs that not only look amazing, but last much longer," said Jessica Yu, senior manager of Clean Energy Solutions at BGE. "These high-efficiency LEDs require far less maintenance and reduce energy costs. Reducing energy costs is the foundation of The Exelon Promise, and we're proud to help one of Baltimore's most vital institutions reduce their energy use while preserving the classic look of a library we love."

The Enoch Pratt Free Library has supported Baltimore since 1886, when founder Enoch Pratt opened the first branch on the corner of Fremont Avenue and Pitcher Street. Established as one of America's first libraries to issue library cards to people of color, the Enoch Pratt Free Library stands today as a cherished institution that city residents rely on. It is a pillar of the community, and supporting our community is at the foundation of The Exelon Promise.

For more information about how businesses large and small are improving their energy efficiency, visit bgesmartenergy.com/business.