Upgrading outdated HID lighting is one of the fastest ways for property owners to reduce operating expenses, improve safety, and modernize curb appeal. A recent project at a retail plaza in Southern California shows just how impactful the switch from HID to LED can be.
Project Overview
This classic neighborhood plaza replaced its 900W HID shoebox lights with 300W LED fixtures. The site only had 10–20 pole lights, but even at this scale the energy and cost savings were immediate.
Key Numbers
- Per Fixture Cost (Product + Install): $260
- Annual Savings per Fixture: $656
- Payback Period: ~5 months
Annual & Long-Term Savings
- 10 fixtures: ~$6,560 saved in the first year
- 20 fixtures: ~$13,120 saved in the first year
- 10 fixtures over 10 years: ~$65,600 total savings
- 20 fixtures over 10 years: ~$131,200 total savings
Why the ROI Is So Strong
Plazas often run lighting for 12 hours per day, 365 days a year, especially in California where electricity averages around $0.25/kWh. Reducing wattage from 900W down to 300W per fixture cuts energy use by about 67%. That translates directly into lower utility bills and a dramatically faster return on investment compared to many other building upgrades.
Benefits Beyond Savings
- Improved light quality: LED fixtures deliver brighter, more uniform illumination.
- Lower maintenance: LEDs last years longer than HID, reducing relamping costs.
- Sustainability gains: Lower energy use means reduced carbon footprint.
Takeaway for Plaza Owners & Property Managers
Even a small-to-mid size retail plaza can realize five-figure annual savings with an LED lighting upgrade. With simple math, low upfront costs, and a payback in under six months, this project shows why HID-to-LED conversions are among the smartest investments in commercial property management today.
Thinking about upgrading your plaza lighting?
Contact our team to learn more about LED retrofit options tailored to your property.
