Village gets savings from LED Streetlight Lamp Retrofit

LOMBARD, Illinois— On March 31, 2009, Lombard was notified that it would be awarded $187,500, based upon its population, as part of the U.S. Department of Energy American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This was an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, receipt contingent upon the use of the funds for (1) reducing fossil fuel emissions and (2) using less total energy.

Staff researched ways to best serve Lombard while meeting the grant challenges. Several options were presented to Village Manager Dave Hulseberg, who concurred with the Public Works Department to recommend the LED retrofit.

At that time, LED (light emitting diode) streetlight lamps were relatively new on the market but had been introduced successfully in pilot studies and retrofits in a few major cities. The results supported claims that LEDs use approximately half the electricity of high-power sodium bulbs and last five times longer, thus reducing maintenance costs. LEDs were also shown to substantially reduce harmful emissions.

A recommendation for the LED retrofit was reviewed by the Public Works Committee, which concurred. Staff introduced the Committee's recommendation to the Village Board, which, on June 18, approved it. (Speed was essential since grant applications were due June 25, 2009.)

The 119 streetlight retrofit consisted of replicating fixtures to hold LED lamps, which contain clusters of tiny, high-intensity bulbs. The new 63-watt lamps provide more light, consistent color and a more uniform lighting pattern than the previous 100-watt high-pressure sodium bulbs. Concrete poles were not changed--with the exception of some 17-foot poles on Brewster which were redone to match the others, all 12 foot.

The LED retrofit has lived up to Village expectations. Over 15 years, project net savings from energy and maintenance costs is estimated to be $200,000. It's expected 54,000-ton annual reduction in CO2 emissions is equal to removing ten vehicles from the road . The retrofit encompasses lights on Vance St. (Glen Oak Rd. to the Prairie Path), Maple St. (Vance to Finley), Ash and Willow Sts., (Finley to Main), Hickory St., (Finley to Elizabeth), Edson and Elizabeth Sts. (Maple to Madison), Brewster Ave.(Maple to Edson) and Lincoln Ave. (Maple to Willow).

Consequently, Village standard lighting policy was re-examined by the Trustees, who, on March 17, 2010, voted to make LED lighting the preferred technology (not high-pressure sodium) when applicable.

Subsequently, new LED streetlights on Main Street between St. Charles Road and North Avenue were installed. They should save additional thousands in future energy and maintenance costs, while drastically reducing fossil fuel emissions on this busy corridor.

During the past few years, all Village departments have been looking at various ways to save money, reduce Village expenditures and combine resources, yet still deliver the same quality services that Lombard residents expect to receive. The LED retrofit and updated policy are such examples.