Kroger stores throughout Illinois can now boast that they are doing their part to reduce energy consumption; the Ameren Illinois Utilities announced that the chain has successfully completed an Act on Energy high-efficiency lighting project, replacing the light bulbs in their frozen food reach-in cases and refrigerated drink and dairy cases.

The AIU's Act on Energy initiatives are designed to help Illinois businesses and residents save money while becoming more conservative energy users. The program offers incentives for lighting, refrigeration, motor systems, and more.

The Kroger initiative is one of the first projects completed under Act on Energy. Thirty Kroger stores switched their fluorescent lighting with high-efficiency LED bulbs. Their anticipated energy savings thanks to the LED lights are $10,000 for each of the participating Kroger stores.

"Kroger is to be congratulated for their aggressive electric energy efficiency initiatives, which will benefit their customers, employees and the communities they serve," said Stan Ogden, AIU vice president of customer service and public relations.

According to Green Tech Media writer, Michael Kanellos, installing LED lights into cold storage units is not only a good way for companies to cut energy costs, but it also improves their cold storage.

"The lights from LEDs do not generate heat. Therefore, the air conditioning in cold storage units doesn't have to work as hard," Kanellos says.