Online Lighting Calculator

BPA launched the Online Lighting Calculator (OLC) in spring 2025 as its newest tool for reporting nonresidential lighting projects. The cloud-based OLC replaces the spreadsheet-based Nonresidential Lighting Calculator (LC6.0), offering enhanced user experience, reliability, and cybersecurity.

Lighting Calculator Transition Timeline: Sept. 5, 2025, is the final day to submit LC6.0 projects into BEETS. Any nonresidential lighting projects submitted after this date must use the OLC. Each utility’s transition timeline and calculator preference may vary based on various factors. BPA energy efficiency representatives and BPA lighting team are available to support transition planning and coordinate related services.

Key considerations and deadlines:

  • As each utility transitions to the OLC platform, BPA requests that utilities use the OLC exclusively and refrain from submitting applications using LC6.0. BPA staff are available to support migration of projects from LC6.0 to the OLC.
  • To ensure sufficient support and timely invoicing for projects under the current rate period, send migration requests to lighting@bpa.gov with “Migration” in the subject line and contact name and phone number in the body of the email no later than Aug. 1, 2025. Migration requests received after this date will enter a queue with no guarantee of review completion before the Sept. 5 deadline.
  • OLC project submissions intended for invoicing within the current rate period will be accepted into BEETS through mid-September. Final submission deadline will be announced at a later date.
  • The final date to request BPA assistance with LC6.0 project migration is Dec. 1, 2025. This deadline is subject to change.

Access the OLC: To request access, email lighting@bpa.gov. BPA will create one administrator account per organization. The designated administrator will receive an email with temporary login credentials and startup guidance. Administrators can create user accounts for other staff within their organization.

MINT App Version History: 

  • The OLC initial launched with MINT version 1510.
  • MINT version 1517 is now available and includes enhancements to the user experience.
  • For guidance on updating to the latest version of MINT, refer to section 4.3 (Apple) and 4.4 (Windows) of the OLC User Manual, located under Resources below. 

Training

BPA has concluded its weekly series of OLC trainings for utilities and trade allies, which ran throughout March, April, and May. Thank you to everyone who attended and provided valuable feedback. Training resources are available to support self-paced learning under Resources below. BPA will continue to enhance and expand these resources over time. 

BPA will continue to host Office Hours on Thursday, June 5, June 12 and June 26, 2-3:30 p.m. These optional sessions will focus on addressing questions, assisting with logging in, improving user experience, and providing troubleshooting support. 

June 5: Click here to join the session or save to your calendar.  
June 12: Click here to join the session or save to your calendar.  
June 26: Click here to join the session or save to your calendar.

Additional Resources