Encore Energy Group, a provider of turnkey lighting and energy infrastructure solutions, has completed a three-building LED retrofit for East Coast Warehouse & Distribution in Elizabeth, one of New Jersey’s key port-side logistics and cold storage operators.
The project is projected to save more than $225,000 annually on energy costs. Encore said there is virtually no upfront cost for the customer.
Encore upgraded more than 1,850 outdated fixtures across three buildings in Elizabeth with high-efficiency LEDs. Each fixture was delivered and installed through a rebate-backed model made possible by Encore’s Trade Ally status, which allows them to assign rebates directly and manage all filings and communication with utilities and manufacturers.
“We are proud of the results we were able to achieve for East Coast Warehouse & Distribution; this is the kind of value we strive to deliver for all our municipal, commercial and industrial customers. Clear savings, zero friction,” said Bill Dato, CEO of Encore Energy Group. “By managing the entire process in-house, from rebate paperwork to installation, we offer a turn-key solution that helps our clients move quickly and cost-effectively and delivers immediate ROI.”
Work was completed in phases beginning in late 2024, with final installations wrapping up in spring 2025. The phased approach allowed warehouse operations to continue without major disruptions, while providing immediate energy and maintenance savings across all three buildings.
In addition to lowering energy costs, the retrofit improved lighting quality throughout the facilities, replacing aging systems with new fixtures covered under a five-year manufacturer warranty.
“We were looking to reduce energy costs and improve lighting across several high-traffic buildings,” said Jesse Gross, senior director of facilities, East Coast Warehouse & Distribution on Polaris Street in Elizabeth. “Encore brought a streamlined approach and coordinated closely with us to get it done with minimal upfront costs and without slowing down operations.”
Each site was able to qualify for utility rebates that covered nearly the full cost of materials and labor. Encore’s Trade Ally status streamlined approvals and enabled the project to move forward with no major upfront investment from the customer.
The East Coast Warehouse & Distribution project is one of dozens of recent commercial and industrial energy upgrades led by Encore throughout the tri-state region.
East Coast Warehouse & Distribution is located at the Port of Elizabeth, across from APM Terminal. It operates 1.2 million square feet of warehouse space.
