High-Intensity Fluorescent Lighting: An Alternative to HID
Energy Center of Wisconsin fact sheet details benefits of high-intensity fluorescent lighting in high ceiling applications.

Interior High Bay Lighting Applications
Pacific Gas & Electric Company - Technology Brief

High/Low-Bay Applications: Fluorescent or Metal Halide?
Lighting Controls Association
"Indoor spaces with high ceilings, such as factories, warehouses, big box retail stores, gymnasiums and all-purpose rooms are most often lighted by high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems. Recently, manufacturers have begun offering specialized T8 and T5HO fluorescent fixtures as an alternative for high-ceiling applications. These fixtures provide distinct advantages versus HID fixtures. Traditionally, fluorescent lighting has dominated the <15 ft. ceiling height niche, but new technology has enabled it to be competitive with HID in higher ceiling heights, even over 25 ft...."

Big Box, High Efficiency
Why HID lamps may not be the best for big box applications.

Commercial Lighting Tax Deduction
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 created the Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction, which allows building owners to deduct the entire cost of a lighting or building upgrade in the year the equipment is placed in service, subject to a cap.