LED Lighting Retrofit in Rogers Park, Chicago

Building-wide retrofits start with a property walkthrough and fixture count. We map every common-area fixture (hallways, stairwells, laundry rooms, parking areas, entryways, lobbies) and every in-unit fixture where the scope includes units. We identify the existing lamp type, wattage, and operating hours to calculate the ComEd multifamily rebate value and the owner's payback period.

Next we engineer the retrofit. Hallways and stairwells typically get 4000K LED fixtures with occupancy sensors — the lights dim to 20% when the space is vacant and return to 100% when motion is detected. This alone can cut common-area lighting load 70%+ while maintaining code-required minimum light levels. Parking and entryway lighting gets weatherproof LED with photocell controls. In-unit work focuses on kitchens, bathrooms, and high-use fixtures.

Installation runs by building or by zone. Common-area work can often be done without disrupting tenants. In-unit work requires tenant notice, typically 24-48 hours in advance, and we work within property-management preferred windows (usually Tuesday-Thursday between 10am and 4pm). We provide itemized invoices suitable for property owner depreciation schedules and rebate paperwork.

• 60A service per unit at building capacity — Some older walk-ups have building service that's at capacity. LED retrofit actually reduces total load, which can help — but panel upgrades may still be needed for EV charging, central AC, or unit modernization.
• Shared panels in vintage walk-ups — Buildings built before metering-per-unit was standard have shared panels and unclear circuit ownership. Metering separation is sometimes bundled with retrofit projects.
• Aluminum branch wiring in 1960s-70s buildings — Mid-century apartment buildings used aluminum for branch circuits. Fixture installs must use CO/ALR devices or copper pigtails with approved connectors.
• Knob-and-tube in pre-1930 walk-ups — Some older Rogers Park buildings still have original K&T on lighting circuits. Chicago code and insurance require replacement during fixture work.
• Emergency and egress lighting compliance — Buildings with 5+ units have code requirements for common-area emergency lighting. Retrofit projects typically upgrade or verify egress fixtures.

Rogers Park landlords and property managers want a contractor who keeps the work on schedule, keeps tenants from calling the management office, and delivers documentation suitable for ComEd rebate submission. E&P Electric is a Chicago-licensed electrical contractor with a Supervising Electrician on every project, fully insured for multi-unit residential work, and experienced with the property management companies active across the Far North Side.

We handle the ComEd Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program paperwork ourselves. For buildings that qualify, rebates can cover 50-100% of common-area fixture cost. We provide itemized proposals separating common-area work, in-unit work, and any additional scope (panel work, emergency lighting, EV chargers) so owners can phase investments.