Energy Savings Brighten Resident Life at Senior Communities

At Pine Haven Christian Communities, most of the lights are always on across its three senior-living campuses. It’s essential for keeping residents safe and comfortable, but it added up to an expensive energy bill. So, when staff heard Focus on Energy® could help them reduce energy usage, they knew they had to learn more.  

“As a nonprofit with multiple campuses, [we are] always looking for innovative ways to manage operating costs more efficiently,” said Maintenance Manager Phillip Gabrielse. “Rising energy expenses made it clear that implementing modern efficiency upgrades would deliver meaningful financial benefits.”

Focus on Energy business incentives helped Pine Haven install new lighting and controls at two of its campuses in Sheboygan County. Since finishing the project in October 2025, the facilities have saved more than $20,000 annually on energy.

Mark Garrigan, an Energy Advisor with Focus on Energy, provided guidance to help the project run smoothly. He sat in on conference calls to explain all available rebates and even provided energy and cost-savings estimates.  

Both staff and residents have been very happy with the upgrades, Gabrielse said. Common areas are brighter and more pleasant thanks to modern LED lighting requiring far less maintenance. And new occupancy and daylighting controls enable smarter energy use.  

“More projects, including heating and cooling upgrades, are planned at all three residential campuses,” Gabrielse said. “Pine Haven is excited to see how bright its energy-saving future will get.”