City Undertakes LED Lighting Pilot Project

The City is in the process of implementing an LED lighting pilot project to replace the existing high pressure sodium lighting fixtures with new LED lights at the Community Center complex, and 25 lights located on Santa Dorotea.

The project will be fully funded through the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant that was awarded to the City in September, 2009. The city has already used part of the grant to fund LED lights at various parks and to install some LED lights at the Community Center complex. The city will use the remaining grant funds ($50,000) to implement the LED lighting pilot project at the Community Center complex and Santa Dorotea.

The current street lights that are outdated, they incur high operating and maintenance expenses and cost the city $140,000 annually for electricity. In contrast to HPS lights, LED lighting fixtures: meet the city’s Greenhouse Gas Action Plan goals, maximize volume purchase power and eligibility for further rebates, provide dimming technology, have a life expectancy of 150,000 hours (36 years), and are expected to reduce energy costs by 40 percent. Additionally, LED lights improve nighttime visibility and safety for drivers and pedestrians.

Staff will monitor and analyze the effects of the LED lighting pilot project, including the resulting energy costs and resident satisfaction. If the project proves to be beneficial, then the city may begin evaluating and planning future citywide LED street light conversion projects.