Publisher’s Note: ABD recently had some commercial lighting done in a building we manage. It got me thinking. Has your company ever done an energy audit? Savings and rebates are possible. In a wide-ranging interview, Keith Mele from DTL Energy Solutions shows businesspeople the light!
ABD: How would you describe what DTL Energy Solutions does?
DTL: DTL Energy Solutions is a commercial electrical services company focused on helping businesses reduce operating costs through strategic lighting upgrades, energy-efficient lighting retrofits, and proactive facility maintenance.
We specialize in turnkey LED lighting conversions — meaning we handle everything from the initial energy audit and financial modeling to rebate management and installation. Our goal is to make energy efficiency simple, measurable, and financially compelling for our clients, while using outside funding to support projects.
Beyond upgrades, we’ve recently launched a Proactive Lighting Maintenance Program designed to help property managers and facility operators move from reactive repairs to planned, budget-stable maintenance. That program allows our clients to keep their facilities consistently well-lit while avoiding emergency service calls and unpredictable expenses.
At the end of the day, we help organizations operate more efficiently, more safely, more sustainably, and with better long-term cost control.
ABD: What does an energy audit entail?
DTL: Our energy audit is a comprehensive, on-site evaluation of a facility’s lighting system.
We document existing fixture types and quantities, current wattage usage, operating hours, utility rate structure, and maintenance history or problem areas.
From that data, we build a detailed savings model that outlines estimated energy reduction (kWh savings), utility bill savings, available rebates through programs from Georgia Power and Dominion Energy of South Carolina, total project investment, and projected payback period.
Clients receive a clear financial summary so they can make a confident, data-driven decision.
ABD: By doing an LED conversion and lighting retrofit, how much of a percentage of cost reduction will a client see?
DTL: Industry-wide, commercial LED conversions typically reduce lighting-related energy consumption by 40–60%, depending on the existing system and operating hours. Facilities operating long hours — such as warehouses or manufacturing spaces — often trend toward the higher end of that range.
The reduction in energy usage translates into significant annual utility savings, and when combined with utility rebates, the project payback can be less than a year in many instances.
Lighting is often one of the fastest-return investments a business can make because the savings are immediate and ongoing.
ABD: Where do you do the lighting conversions commercially — industries, locations, buildings?
DTL: We work with a wide range of commercial and institutional clients, including industrial warehouses, manufacturing facilities, commercial office buildings, retail centers, medical facilities, municipal and educational buildings, and multi-property portfolios for property management firms.
ABD: What are some other benefits of having a lighting conversion done?
DTL: Energy savings are just one part of the equation.
One of the most important benefits is improved safety — for both employees and customers. Proper lighting reduces slip-and-fall risks, improves visibility in warehouses and production environments, enhances parking lot security, and creates safer entry and exit points for commercial properties. Better illumination helps employees perform tasks more accurately and reduces the risk of workplace incidents. For retail and office environments, brighter, more uniform lighting also contributes to a more welcoming and secure atmosphere for customers and visitors.
Additional benefits include improved light quality and consistency, reduced maintenance and replacement costs, lower heat output (which can reduce HVAC load), enhanced aesthetics, and stronger support for ESG and sustainability initiatives.
When paired with our Proactive Lighting Maintenance Program, clients ensure their lighting systems remain optimized long after installation — protecting both safety and long-term operating budgets.
ABD: How does a company or organization qualify for government rebates?
DTL: Most commercial lighting upgrades qualify for utility rebate programs through providers such as Georgia Power and Dominion Energy of South Carolina.
Eligibility is based on existing fixture type, the level of energy reduction achieved by the upgrade, and verified project scope and installation.
DTL manages the rebate process end-to-end — including pre-approval applications, documentation, and post-install inspections — ensuring our clients receive the maximum incentive available. Depending on the program and timing, rebates can offset a substantial portion of project costs, significantly improving ROI.
ABD: How is DTL Energy Solutions eco-friendly?
DTL: At DTL Energy Solutions, we view sustainability as a measurable business outcome — not just a talking point. Our role is to help our clients achieve and maintain their environmental and energy-efficiency initiatives in a financially responsible way.
By reducing lighting energy consumption by 40–60%, our projects directly lower electricity demand and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions from power generation. For many organizations, lighting upgrades are one of the most immediate and cost-effective steps toward meeting internal sustainability goals.
In addition:
- LED systems do not contain mercury, unlike many fluorescent lamps
- We responsibly recycle removed fixtures and materials
- Our Proactive Lighting Maintenance Program extends system life and reduces unnecessary waste
- We help clients document verified energy savings for internal reporting and ESG initiatives
Ultimately, we help businesses reduce operating costs while also reducing their environmental footprint — creating a practical path toward long-term sustainability.
ABD: How many folks work for you in Augusta, and what is the footprint of the entire company?
DTL: DTL Energy Solutions currently has five team members, with four based in Augusta. We serve clients across Georgia and South Carolina and continue to grow as demand for energy-efficient and maintenance-focused solutions increases.
We’re excited about the momentum in the region and expect to add additional team members in the coming months as we expand both our retrofit and proactive maintenance offerings.
For sales/energy audit-related requests:
706.284.5335
For all other requests:
404-548-2200
