CASE STUDY

NAME: Hill Air Force Base
LOCATION: Utah

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58,000

Fixtures Installed

18 Months

For Project Completion

$14M

in Project Value

Case Study: Hill Air Force Base Lighting Retrofit – Ogden, Utah

Client: Hill Air Force Base
Location: Ogden, Utah
Industry: Government / Military

Project Overview

A Tier 1 Energy Service Company (ESCO) engaged E. Sam Jones to execute the lighting component of an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) at Hill Air Force Base. From initial audit through final installation, E. Sam Jones delivered a comprehensive turnkey lighting solution that met strict military standards for performance, safety, and energy efficiency.

Challenge

Large military bases present complex construction environments with overlapping projects, evolving requirements, and tight security protocols. In the middle of the Hill AFB project, a major hangar was repurposed for a different aircraft type—requiring a completely new lighting layout and lumen package, all while keeping the original project timeline intact.

Solution

E. Sam Jones managed the lighting retrofit from concept through completion, providing engineering, procurement, and on-site project management under challenging conditions.

Scope of Work:

  • Performed a detailed Investment Grade Audit of the facility to identify savings opportunities

  • Collaborated with lighting manufacturers and the ESCO to engineer the most efficient and cost-effective solution

  • Adjusted scope mid-project to account for changing base requirements and ensure optimal energy payback

  • Oversaw material procurement, shipping logistics, and on-site coordination across multiple subcontractors

  • Completed installation during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, maintaining schedule and safety compliance

Unique Challenge: Hangar Renovation Mid-Scope

When a large aircraft hangar was reassigned mid-project, E. Sam Jones adapted quickly to meet new specifications.

Problem-Solving Approach:

  • Repurposed existing high-bay fixtures from the original scope to avoid waste and stay within budget

  • Partnered with the Air Force, ESCO, and lighting manufacturer to develop a custom fixture design capable of meeting new lumen and durability standards

  • Conducted photometric studies to verify performance before final approval

  • Seamlessly integrated the updated scope into the existing project schedule and energy conservation measures (ECMs)

Results

  • Project Scope: Multi-facility lighting retrofit under an ESPC contract

  • Efficiency: Optimized energy performance through custom fixture engineering

  • Flexibility: Adapted to mid-scope changes without cost overruns or schedule delays

  • Completion: Delivered on time in spring 2020 despite COVID-19 challenges

Why It Matters

Military and government facilities require reliable partners who can navigate complex logistics, strict safety standards, and evolving project scopes. The Hill AFB lighting retrofit demonstrates E. Sam Jones’ ability to provide adaptable, technically sound solutions that deliver measurable energy savings—no matter the challenge.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPC projects demand engineering precision and flexible problem-solving

  • Collaboration among ESCOs, manufacturers, and facility teams ensures success

  • Experienced project management can overcome scope changes and unforeseen conditions

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E. Sam Jones partners with ESCOs, federal agencies, and commercial clients to deliver turnkey lighting retrofits that maximize energy savings and reliability.
Contact us to learn more about our government and large-scale lighting projects.

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