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Networked Lighting Controls

Evaluating the Non-Energy Benefits of Advanced Networked Lighting Controls
This resource, which summarizes research commissioned by the DLC and conducted by Skumatz Economic Research Associates, Inc. (SERA), identifies non-energy benefits (NEBs) specific to NLC usage and develops a methodology for assigning them quantitative values.Â
Key Takeaways
- “Non-energy benefits” of NLCs can enable inclusion of anticipated savings from productivity gains, safety and security enhancements, extended equipment lifecycles, and more in cost-benefit calculations.
- Developing a methodology for assigning quantitative values to NEBs will enable utility incentive program staff and others to use an expanded set of metrics for measuring the cost-effectiveness of NLC implementation.
- Research showed statistically significant non-energy benefits from NLCs for both lighting decision makers and building occupants.

NLC5 Cybersecurity Overview
UPDATED 12/21/2022 - CSA/ANSI T200 updated from a service to a standard. Through research and outreach, the DLC has identified several cybersecurity standards and services that satisfy the cybersecurity criteria in the NLC5 Technical Requirements. To help manufacturers and other users find an appropriate standard and/or service for their networked lighting control system, this resource provides additional information on each standard and service and summarizes their application.
Key Takeaways
- Summaries of cybersecurity services and standards recognized by the DLC (updated 7/14/22 to include PSA standard)
- Descriptions of the primary application and timeline for certification of the cybersecurity standards listed in Tables CS-1 & CS-2 of the DLC NLC5 Technical Requirements

Whitepaper: Proposed Revisions to DLC Energy Reporting Requirements
This whitepaper describes various proposals to make DLC requirements and recommendations for energy reporting more useful to a broader audience. The proposals are based on the new ANSI standards and on input from a working group convened in Q4 2021 comprised of representatives from DLC member efficiency programs and DLC industry partners.
Key Takeaways
- Energy efficiency programs have varying requirements for energy reporting, creating burden for manufacturers to create a unique reporting function for each program.
- This whitepaper describes various proposals to make DLC requirements and recommendations for energy reporting more useful to a broader audience.
- These proposed changes are being made available in advance of a public comment period so that stakeholders can consider implementation and prepare accordingly.

DLC Member Program Summaries – Networked Lighting Controls
Updated as of: 2/18/22 This list displays which DLC Members provide rebates for networked lighting controls. Please visit the program websites for additional detail.

Report: Energy Savings from Networked Lighting Control (NLC) Systems with and without LLLC
Completed in partnership with the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), this research builds upon the DLC's 2017 study, Energy Savings from Networked Lighting Control (NLC) Systems. The results not only improve existing NLC energy savings estimates, but also provide more in-depth savings analyses, such as savings estimates from NLC systems with and without luminaire level lighting control (LLLC), and savings estimates from high-end trim compared to other control strategies.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Portfolio-level estimate for NLC energy savings is 49%, but NLC systems with LLLC showed overall higher savings.
- Access to NLC data varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so there is an opportunity for efficiency programs to drive the sharing of NLC data.
- Energy efficiency programs should standardize reporting guidelines, and manufacturers should consider developing administrator-specific reporting functionality to support the energy efficiency program data intake process.

Report: Interoperability for Networked Lighting Controls
This report explores the current interest in networked lighting controls (NLC) and the benefits various stakeholders can attain from championing interoperable systems. Three actionable use cases work to show why interoperability is a core component for ongoing operation of energy savings programs and is essential for the long-lasting relevance of NLCs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Build a common understanding about NLC interoperability.
- Explore three use cases: External Systems Integration, Load Shedding and Demand Response, and Energy Monitoring.
- Identify design criteria and questions to ask when specifying interoperability related to NLC systems.
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