January 2014

Peter Jacobson
Lighting Specialist, Con Edison
Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Programs
 
Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I’ve held the position of a corporate liaison for Con Edison to the lighting industry since 1991. Prior to, I worked at Meyer Strong & Jones, a New York City-based engineering firm, that coupled advances in lighting technologies with that of good lighting applications. Con Edison is a proponent of green lighting and my role at Con Edison is to support our Demand Side Management programs on all the related technical and application issues concerning lighting. Over the years, I have introduced applications in fiber optics, induction and LED lighting to internal Con Edison facilities and to our customers. In addition, I have worked with City and State agencies to promote new technology and energy efficient lighting applications. I serve on the advisory board of Green Light New York, an organization that provides energy and lighting efficient education for the real estate community.  

Editor’s Note: AL published an insightful One-on-One Interview with Pete.
 
Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
Because of my role at Con Ed, it was vital for me to connect with the lighting community and becoming involved in the IESNYC, seemed like the way to do just that – and that was over 20 years ago. I have been an active member of the section and have served on several committees including programs, Lumen Awards, student chapter, and history. I believe I have served on the Board of Managers for almost two decades and have been a source of information and guidance for nine IESNYC presidents. I'm also a member of the IES National Progress Report Committee which is mandated to inform the Society on developments in the art and science of lighting throughout the world. 

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
I’m not the first Board of Manager to say this, but the best asset of the section is our experience and knowledge base.  Our section is the largest and most sophisticated lighting community in the country, something we are justly proud of.

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the BOM?  
I feel my role has a dual purpose. First and foremost, as a member of the BOM, it is my responsibility to act as a sounding board for the president and my co-managers who are always coming up with programs that will benefit our members and the lighting community in general.  My other role is to relay to my Con Ed co-workers and customers all the resources and educational capabilities the IES has to offer on a section and a national level. The two go hand-in-hand.