NYC Local Law 88 Experts

Lighting & Submetering Compliance

Didn’t file for NYC Local Law 88 yet?

Still need to do lighting or submetering upgrades for your building over 25,000 feet? Are you deciding whether you will do the upgrade this year, submit a compliance plan or take the first year penalties?

We Can Help!

Bright Energy Services provides NYC Local Law 88 Services to help improve your building’s energy efficiency and comply with NYC Local Law 88.

As the compliance deadlines approach, it’s essential for building owners and property managers to act now to avoid penalties and improve energy efficiency.

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914-304-4033

Bright Energy Services specializes in New York City’s energy regulations and understands exactly what your building needs to become compliant. Our team stays up-to-date with every aspect of the law, ensuring your project is handled expertly.

Compliance with NYC Local Law 88 not only helps you avoid fines but can also lower your energy costs. We focus on retrofits that provide long-term energy savings, improving both the value of your property and its sustainability.

Let us help you create and file your NYC Local Law 88 compliance plan. Avoid fines and reduce your building’s energy consumption with our LL88 compliance solutions. Fill out the form below to schedule a site visit and get a customized plan to bring your building up to code.

Still need LL88 compliance? Avoid penalties and improve efficiency.

Fill out the form below to schedule a site visit and get a customized plan to bring your building up to code.

Act now—avoid penalties.

The time to act is now. NYC Local Law 88 compliance is not just a legal obligation – it is a financial opportunity. Avoiding fines is just the beginning. Energy efficiency upgrades reduce operating costs and increase property values. Future-proofing buildings now avoids higher costs later as regulations tighten in 2030 and beyond.

FAQ's

FAQ Section

What is NYC Local Law 88?

Local law 88 of 2009 (LL88), as amended by Local Laws 132 and 134 of 2016, requires certain building owners to upgrade lighting systems and install electrical sub-meters in tenant spaces.

What Code Sections Apply to LL88?

A building that exceeds 25,000 gross square feet (2323 m2); Two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet (9290 m2); or Two or more buildings held in the condominium form of ownership that are governed by the same board of managers and that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet (9290 m2).

What types of buildings are exempt from LL88?

Single to three family homes. Garden-style apartments.

Are landmarked buildings exempt?

Landmarked buildings must comply with LL88 if they meet the definition of a covered building under the law.

Are residential/multifamily buildings required to comply?

Yes, residential/multifamily buildings are subject to LL88 if they meet the definition of a covered building.

What does the law require to submit for compliance?

The Law requires a report from a registered design professional (architect or engineer), licensed master electrician, or licensed special electrician. This report must certify that:

The entire building’s lighting system has been inspected.
Lighting upgrades have been implemented in accordance with the law.
Sub-meters have been installed in all covered tenant spaces.
It also requires the submission of a sample monthly energy statement as proof of sub-metering.

Does my building require a lighting upgrade?

Local Law 88 requires that lighting systems meet the current New York City Energy Conservation Code, which may require upgrades to LED lighting, or the installation of controls such as daylighting, occupancy, or vacancy controls. No lighting upgrade is required for:

Lighting systems installed on or after July 1, 2010 that are code-compliant at the time of installation.
Lighting systems in dwelling units, or space serving such dwelling units, in occupancy groups R-2 or R-3.
Lighting systems within occupancy group A-3 that is within a house of worship.

Is my building required to install submeters?

Submetering is required for tenant spaces that meet one of the following criteria:

A tenant space larger than 5,000 gross square feet on one or more floors of a covered building let or sublet to the same person.
A floor of a covered building larger than 5,000 gross square feet with tenant spaces let or sublet to two or more different persons.

This applies to both commercial and multifamily buildings. However, there are the following exceptions:

Dwelling units in apartment buildings or one to two family homes with no more than two apartments.
Tenant spaces where electrical consumption is already measured by a dedicated meter.

Does my building still need to file a report if there are no covered tenant spaces or if there are covered tenant spaces that are already sub-metered?

Yes, a submission is still required and a registered design professional, licensed master electrician, or licensed special electrician must attest that the property is in compliance with LL88.

What are the penalties for failure to complete lighting upgrades?

Failure to file a lighting upgrade report will incur a fine of $1,500. Such penalty will be assessed annually until the compliance report is filed. However, you can avoid this penalty if you file a compliance plan now.

What are the penalties for failure to report sub-metering of tenant spaces?

Failure to file a submeter installation report will incur a fine of $1,500 plus $500 for each covered space, and will be assessed annually until such report is filed. However, you can avoid this penalty if you file a compliance plan now.