Energy efficiency efforts implemented by Federal-Mogul in Athens paid off Tuesday, as the company was presented with a sizeable rebate.

Representatives from Athens Utilities, the Tennessee Valley Authority and GexPro were on hand to present the automotive product supplier with a check for $201,725.44.

Michael Clement, a program manager for TVA, said the rebate check was the third-largest payout to a company under the EnergyRight for Industry program in North Alabama.

The light upgrades will ultimately save Federal-Mogul approximately $176,981.80 per year.

Federal-Mogul’s efforts kicked off in November when the company decided to install high-efficiency T5 fluorescent light bulbs. Federal-Mogul used GexPro Energy Solutions for the project, and the result was lowered energy costs and improved lighting for workers.

The local electrical contractor was the Huntsville-based Jesse Stutts Inc. Bill Lee, vice president of JSI, said his company’s work on the project has drawn the attention of other area plants that seek to make similar upgrades.

The feedback from employees at Federal-Mogul has been positive, company officials said.

“It’s been one of those projects that we have gotten people thanking us,” said Robbie Day, plant manager. “I think what has helped is the ability of the operators to see anywhere they are in the plant, what they are doing and what they are working on.”

TVA’s energyright.com website offers energy saving tips for companies related to lighting and heating and cooling. The site also shows how companies can receive financial incentives for taking steps to lower energy costs.