By: Scott Crabtree (Town Manager) | Wicked Local

Published: 5/22/2020

SAUGUS — Work is underway for the town-wide LED streetlight conversion; Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is pleased to announce. The New LED lights will increase energy and cost savings.

The town-wide LED streetlight conversion is 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 streetlights to LED by providing rebates and incentives. National Grid estimates that the town’s return on investment for this work with the incentives and grant is 2.37 years.

In addition, this conversion as planned will result in an annual estimated savings of $597,437, and then result in additional annual savings for the town.

Last year, Town Meeting members supported an upfront investment of $1,035,000 for the town-wide streetlight conversion project. This will also give the town an opportunity to assess the current condition of the wiring, connectors, and hardware for safety and future maintenance of the streetlights. The town will be considering any additional work that may need to be completed as well.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded this opportunity to convert our lights to more energy and cost-efficient LED bulbs,” said 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 streetlights, the new energy efficient design, and installation of the LED streetlights and fixtures.

The LED streetlight conversion was supported and approved by the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and Town Meeting earlier last 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 Crabtree.