Title
Funding PSE Streetlight Conversion
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee supports the conversion of Puget Sound Energy (PSE)-owned streetlights to LED technology and referred this topic to the Finance Committee for funding options.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive feedback from the Finance Committee about potential funding options to convert PSE-owned streetlights to LED technology.
Report
Issue:
Discuss the program to convert PSE-owned streetlights to LED technology and potential funding options.
Staff Contact:
Mark Russell, P.E., Director, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8762
Presenter(s):
Mark Russell, P.E., Director, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8762
Background and Analysis:
There are approximately 4,500 streetlights throughout the City; about 3,200 are owned by the City and about 1,300 are owned by PSE. All City-owned streetlights are currently being converted to LED technology through a Department of Enterprise Services Energy Savings Performance Contract. The City received a $500,000 energy efficiency grant from the Department of Commerce and a $369,661 conservation grant from PSE to help fund this project.
LED streetlights use an average of 50 to 60 percent less energy, last more than 20 years, provide a higher quality of lighting, and require significantly less maintenance than traditional lights. The current LED conversion project will result in an estimated annual energy savings of approximately $174,000 and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 1.85 million pounds per year.
Due to the number of benefits of LED lighting, there is interest in converting the remaining 1,300 streetlights owned by PSE. The City can request PSE to replace these streetlights with LED technology. The City will be responsible to pay a PSE contractor to do the work. More detailed information about the PSE program and process will be included in the presentation.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
LED streetlights provide better quality lighting that improves the visibility and safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. To date, the City has converted approximately 3,000 streetlights and the feedback from citizens has been positive. Very few concerns have been received and they are in regard to the light color or brightness. These issues are being easily addressed by making minor adjustments to the light fixture.
Options:
Staff will present potential funding options to the Finance Committee.
Financial Impact:
The most recent estimated cost of converting approximately 1,300 streetlights owned by PSE is $325,000, not counting any potential utility incentives from PSE. This project is currently included in the out-years of the Capital Facilities Plan, dependent upon grant funding.