Memphis Airport’s LED Retrofit Earns $117,247 TVA Incentive

Mark Brost

1 day ago

2 min read

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority has completed a wide-ranging LED lighting upgrade at Frederick W. Smith International Airport, replacing more than 1,900 older fixtures. The project earned a $117,247.63 incentive through the Tennessee Valley Authority’s EnergyRight program, with projected annual energy savings exceeding 1.5 gigawatt-hours and lower ongoing operating costs.

Key takeaways

The airport project shows how a large lighting retrofit can combine energy savings with improved facility operations. Key figures include:

More than 1,900 metal halide, compact fluorescent and high-pressure sodium fixtures replaced.
Projected savings of more than 1.5 GWh of electricity annually—roughly the amount used by 220 U.S. homes in a year.
A $117,247.63 incentive awarded through TVA EnergyRight in partnership with Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW).
The airport estimates the investment could pay for itself in under six months, with a projected five-year return near $1 million.

A broad retrofit across airport facilities

The former lighting served the terminal, parking areas, cargo facilities and outdoor spaces. According to the airport authority, the aging systems used substantial electricity and had become increasingly costly to operate and maintain. The LED conversion is intended to reduce that energy demand while modernizing lighting across the airport campus.

MSCAA President and CEO Terry Blue described the project as part of the airport’s modernization work, with goals that include enhancing passenger experience and safety while controlling operating expenses. The upgrade’s projected energy reduction is comparable to the annual electricity use of about 220 homes, offering a useful measure of its scale.

Utility partnership strengthens project economics

TVA EnergyRight provided technical guidance and an incentive through its Business & Industry program, while MLGW supported project verification and coordination. The program is designed to help businesses and institutions identify efficiency improvements and make investments in more efficient infrastructure.

The airport’s reported payback and five-year return are projections, not guaranteed results. Still, they illustrate why utility incentives can be an important part of evaluating commercial lighting upgrades: rebates can reduce upfront costs, while lower energy use and maintenance needs can improve the business case over time.

Lessons for commercial lighting projects

For contractors, property managers and other facility teams, the Memphis project underscores the value of assessing lighting across an entire site and checking incentive eligibility early in planning. Fixture selection, quantity, layout and documentation can all affect project scope and rebate review.

Led Lumenaires supports commercial and industrial projects with spec-ready LED products, bulk availability and fast fulfillment. Its Pro Support includes help with product selection, layouts, large quotes and rebate guidance—practical resources for teams weighing a retrofit’s upfront investment against its expected operating savings.

Sources

Memphis Airport Receives $117,247 TVA Incentive for LED Lighting Upgrade, Airport Industry-News.