Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Town-Wide LED Street Light Conversion Underway to Increase Cost, Energy Savings

(Saugus, MA) October 17, 2019 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is pleased to announce that a Town-wide LED street light conversion is underway as part of a grant opportunity through the Massachusetts Area Planning Council (MAPC) and Department of Energy Resources (DOER)’s LED Streetlight Rapid Retrofit program. The Town’s participation in the program is part of an effort to increase energy and cost savings as well as provide residents with improved lighting and less light pollution in the community.

The LED Streetlight Rapid Retrofit program provides eligible communities with an opportunity to convert their street lights to LED by providing rebates and incentives. National Grid estimates that the Town’s return on investment with the incentives and grant is 2.37 years. In addition, this conversion will result in an annual estimated savings of $597,437.

In May, Town Meeting members supported an upfront investment of $1,035,000 for the Town-wide street light conversion project. With MAPC and DOER incentives and rebates the project will result in a net cost estimate of $597,000. The project is estimated to pay for itself in 2.37 years, and then result in additional annual savings for the Town.  

“We are thrilled to have been awarded this opportunity to convert our lights to more energy and cost efficient LED bulbs,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “Not only will this effort result in short-term project cost savings of $438,000 with incentives and rebates and a full return on investment in an estimated 2.37 years, but it will also continue to provide the taxpayers of Saugus with an annual estimated cost savings of $597,437.”

LED is one of today's most energy-efficient, rapidly-developing lighting technologies. Quality LED light bulbs last longer, are more durable, and offer comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting, according to energy.gov.

The Town of Saugus recently engaged Tanko Lighting to oversee the project, which includes an audit of the Town’s existing 2,852 street lights, the new energy efficient design, and installation of the LED street lights and fixtures.

The LED street light conversion was supported and approved by the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting earlier this year.

“I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Town Meeting, and residents of Saugus for their continued support of important energy and cost saving initiatives such as this,” concluded Town Manager Crabtree.

For more information on the project, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.

 

About The Town of Saugus

The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.

###