We’re back with the third article in our ongoing series on luminaire-level lighting controls (LLLCs)! In this article, we’ll talk about how LLLCs should match the lighting needs in your customers’ unique building spaces. If you missed the last article, you can still learn more about how to address customer needs and concerns.

Energy Trust of Oregon is focused on LLLC adoption this year and offering competitive incentives to match. Get access to the most recent incentive information at the links below:

• Instant discounts: www.energytrust.org/incentives/commercial-existing-buildings-lighting-instant-discounts/#incentivedetails
• Standard downstream: www.energytrust.org/incentives/commercial-existing-buildings-lighting-lighting-controls/#incentivedetails

Universal LLLC applications
Different tasks and different people need different light levels. The most powerful way to get your customer the light level they need is with the granular control that LLLCs provide for task tuning. Task tuning (also known as high-end trim) is applicable in every space and allows you to match the client’s desired light levels and task needs—with no more callbacks that lights are too bright or too dim.

In addition to providing the exact light level needed, LLLCs allow you and your customer to design lighting in the space without extensive changes and labor. Configuring the perfect lighting setup is as easy as getting power to lights and learning a new app on your phone. LLLCs can also allow for configuration with a remote control.

Desired settings can be applied to individual luminaires, or to groups of 20 or more through a single click. And when spaces change—whether there is a user who wants a lower light level, or a new office partition—LLLCs make it easy to reconfigure and adjust light levels without the need for ladders or rewiring. For building owners who want to “futureproof” their space, this can be a huge selling point.

Read on for ways that LLLC systems can make any customer’s lighting dreams come true.

Variation by industry: Matching lighting to use case
In each room, you can ask: What tasks are performed in each part of the room? Where are the windows? How much occupancy variance is there? How happy are users with the light levels?

Different industries will use their spaces in different ways. It’s important to note that not all spaces will need every control strategy, but most spaces can take advantage of at least one or two. Consider the following examples:

• In a warehouse, the lights in each aisle should be able to function independently. A loading area might have greater daylight to harvest, while packing desks and machinery may need higher lighting levels. For safety, a wall station that switches all the lights on at once may be needed.
• Some buildings, like retail buildings, may have specialized window designs that provide large amounts of daylight. These spaces may want to rely more on window lighting for ambiance, while a classroom with windows may still need high task lighting for desks—or dimming when electronic screens and devices are being used.
• In a conference room with an AV system, it may be helpful to group the lights closest to the screen separately from those in the back of the room to allow segmented dimming.
• In a building’s least-occupied areas like break rooms, hallways, stairwells and electrical rooms, occupancy sensors with shorter time-out periods are key since users typically do not stay motionless in these places for long periods of time.
• Where emergency lighting is needed in hallways for emergency egress, LLLCs can easily be equipped with battery backup as well as occupant override options for enhanced general safety.
• For buildings with a parking lot or alley with safety concerns, exterior lights can be scheduled to shift to lower output in evening hours to meet newer energy code requirements and provide enhanced savings and security in the process. You can also choose to keep certain lights off (e.g., in a fenced storage yard) or at very dimmed levels and rely on the sensors in individual luminaires or groups to trigger and effectively signal or spotlight unexpected visitors.

With LLLCs, it has never been easier to deliver controls that match your clients’ exact lighting needs. Look out for our next article, where we will deep dive into LLLC settings.

Take advantage of LLLC incentives and training
Energy Trust recognizes the unmatched functionality and savings of LLLC systems—which translate to better lighting outcomes, maximum flexibility and lower utility bills for your customers. Right now, robust incentives are being offered to help with LLLC adoption. Whether it’s your first or your hundredth LLLC project, our team is ready to help you get started.

Energy Trust will also be hosting hands-on LLLC training this year across the state, beginning in June 2026. Watch future Insiders for save-the-dates and registration links!