Algonquin Converts Street Lights to LED Fixtures

ALGONQUIN, IL - The Village of Algonquin recently completed a project to convert municipal street lights to light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. The project converted a total of 135 high pressure sodium fixtures to LED, resulting in energy savings of up to 85 percent, village officials said Monday. The project, with a total cost of $51,063, was primarily financed through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Public Sector Energy Efficiency Program which rebated the village $37,500 of project costs.

“This project demonstrates great stewardship of tax dollars and the environment,” stated Village President John Schmitt. “The energy savings and extended fixture life produce real financial and operational benefits for the Village.”

The expected operating life of the new LED fixtures are in excess of seven years as opposed to high pressure sodium fixtures which were replaced every two to three years, according to a news release from the village of Algonquin. This allows the Village to reallocate resources from street light maintenance to other operational areas.

The LED fixtures were installed on the following roadways in Algonquin: Algonquin Road (Illinois Route 31 to Hubbard Street); Main Street (Edward Street to Washington Street); Huntington Drive (Illinois Route 31 to Circle Drive); County Line Road (Millbrook Drive to Merchant Drive); Millbrook Drive (south of Corporate Parkway); Harnish Drive (Golden Eagle Drive to Sherman Road) Esplanade Drive; Becky Lynn Drive; and Meyer Drive, according to the news release.

Street lights owned and maintained by ComEd or other jurisdictions (McHenry County, Kane County, Illinois Department of Transportation) were not included as part of this project.

For more information, visit www.algonquin.org.