Networked Lighting Control Systems (NLC)
Occupancy, daylight harvesting, high-end trim and scheduling. Raises incentives 20–50%.
Why add networked lighting controls to an LED retrofit?
Networked lighting controls (NLC) add occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, high-end trim, scheduling and zoning to LED fixtures. LEDs cut the watts; controls cut the hours. Controls can increase your lighting incentive by 20–50% and add further savings on top of the LED upgrade.
What is Networked Lighting Controls?
An NLC system gives every fixture or zone its own intelligence and connects them on a network. Lights dim when daylight is available, turn down when spaces are empty, and follow schedules you set from one dashboard.
High-end trim sets maximum output to the level the space actually needs, which saves energy from day one.
How does it lower your bill?
- Occupancy sensing: lights dim or turn off in empty aisles, rooms and garages.
- Daylight harvesting: fixtures near windows and skylights dim automatically.
- High-end trim: caps output at the needed level instead of 100%.
- Scheduling and zoning: one dashboard controls the whole site.
Typical savings
Typically 20–40% further reduction in post-LED lighting kWh (typical, varies by facility). The calculator default is 25%.
Typical, varies by facility. Confirmed through an on-site audit and metered M&V.
Ideal facilities
- Warehouses with intermittent aisle traffic
- Offices with daylight and variable occupancy
- Parking garages
- Schools and gyms
Utility capital pays for part of the upgrade
Controls can increase the lighting incentive by 20–50%. NV Energy's 2026 program also lists AI-enhanced lighting controls among its limited-time offers. We stack the controls with the LED project for the largest eligible incentive.
- We identify every eligible NV Energy prescriptive and custom incentive.
- We stack lighting with controls to raise the incentive 20–50%.
- We prepare and submit the application, then verify savings under IPMVP.
Measured under IPMVP, monitored 24/7/365
We follow the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP). Before work starts we set a metered or engineering baseline. After installation we measure the same loads and adjust for weather, occupancy and operating hours. The difference is your verified savings, and it is reported in kWh, kW and dollars.
About Virtual Energy ManagementAudit
On-site survey of lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, motors and metering. We document baselines and operating hours.
Engineering & Financial Model
Measure-by-measure design with kWh, kW, cost, incentive, SIR, IRR and payback.
Incentive Application
We prepare and submit NV Energy prescriptive and custom applications and track approval.
Installation
Licensed crews install on your schedule, nights and weekends included, with minimal disruption.
M&V / VEM
IPMVP-compliant verification and 24/7/365 Virtual Energy Management keep savings in place.
Estimate savings: Networked Lighting Controls (NLC)
Adjust the inputs for a planning estimate. The full calculator adds incentives, payback, CO2 and a 10-year view.
Assumes $0.10/kWh and $12/kW-month. Change rates in the full calculator.
Planning estimate only. Actual savings and incentives are confirmed through an on-site audit and utility program approval.
Related solutions
Frequently asked questions
Are networked controls hard to manage?
No. We commission the system, set schedules and sensor timeouts, and train your team. VEM can monitor it for you.
Will lights turn off while people are working?
Sensor coverage and timeouts are designed for each space, and safety lighting is maintained.
How do controls increase my incentive?
Programs reward the additional verified savings that controls deliver, so adding controls can raise the incentive by 20–50%.
Can controls be added later?
Yes, but installing them with the LED retrofit is usually cheaper and captures the stacked incentive.
Do controls work outdoors?
Yes. Pole lights and wall packs can use scheduling, photocells and bi-level occupancy dimming.
Turn Your Overhead Into Net Profit.
Book a no-pressure consultation with a veteran energy consultant. We will show you the savings, the incentive and the payback before you commit.
Every month you wait is money lost to inefficiency. Incentive funding is limited per program year.