Daniel Fitzpatrick, City Manager
31 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]
Rochester Begins Cost-Saving LED Streetlight Conversion
ROCHESTER — City Manager Daniel Fitzpatrick is pleased to announce that work has begun on converting the city’s street lights to high efficiency light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Workers began retrofitting approximately 1,450 municipally-owned street lights on May 1. Work on the first half of the lights expected to be finished by June, with the rest set to be completed by the end of November.
The light replacement is projected to cost just under $350,000, part of which will be offset by a $100,000 energy efficiency grant from Eversource.
Once completed, the LED lights will save the City of Rochester $95,000 per year in energy costs. The LEDs last longer than traditional bulbs (up to 20 years per bulb) and therefore cost less to maintain over the long run as well.
“We are always looking for ways to be more energy efficient as a community, so we are excited to be making the switch to LEDs for our street lights” said John Storer Director of City of Services for the City. “We’re grateful for the grant, which will offset the initial cost of the project, and enthusiastic about the annual cost savings that will come from using more efficient lights.
Once completed, the lights will glow with a sharper white color compared to the yellowish hue of the existing lights. The brightness of the lights will meet the American Medical Association’s recommended standards.
“We believe the brighter, more efficient lights will make our streets and sidewalks safer by increasing visibility, without being intrusive or unhealthy,” Fitzpatrick added.
If there are any specific questions regarding this work, please contact John Storer, Director of City Services, Department of Public Works at 603-332-4096
