Did the Town explore other options, such as wireless controls for dimming and solar-powered LED streetlight fixtures?

Wireless controls cost up to 40% more, extending the expected payback period, and are not yet eligible for a rebate from the State’s Energy Efficiency Fund. The Town expects to receive an approximate $50,000 rebate for the LEDs from this Fund, which receives revenues from the “Combined Public Benefit Charge” that every resident and business pays on their monthly electric and/or natural gas bills.

 The Town is purchasing cobra-head fixtures that will be control-ready so we can take advantage of the technology when the cost comes down to add wireless controls or other options. Most LED fixtures the Town is purchasing will have a manual dimming control installed, which will allow raising the lumen output over time to offset natural declines in output as dirt accumulates and the fixtures age.

 Solar-powered LED streetlights cost three to four times more than standard LED fixtures, which would not be economical, extending the payback period well into the expected 25-year life of the LED fixtures. Existing solar-powered fixtures also produce less available light than the Town plans for fixtures on its State routes and at intersections.
 

Show All Answers

1. What kind of streetlights does Westbrook currently use?
2. What are LED streetlights?
3. What color of light are LED streetlight fixtures?
4. Why might the new LED fixtures appear to be dimmer to some?
5. Did the Town explore other options, such as wireless controls for dimming and solar-powered LED streetlight fixtures?
6. Why is Westbrook doing an LED streetlight conversion project?
7. Why not let Eversource replace the existing HPS cobra head fixtures instead of the Town purchasing and replacing them?
8. How many streetlights is Westbrook replacing with the LED streetlight conversion project?
9. How much will Westbrook likely save when it upgrades to LED streetlight fixtures?
10. How long will the project last?
11. What does the project involve?
12. Where are the pilot fixtures being installed?
13. What is Westbrook doing with all of the streetlights it is removing?
14. How do I find more information about the LED streetlight conversion project?
15. Who do I contact to report streetlights that are out, flickering, or on during the day?