Lighting on Vernon streets will get a facelift while annual electrical costs will drop thanks to a conversion project set to begin in spring 2020.
At its October 28 regular meeting, City Council unanimously approved a motion to fund the conversion of approximately 1200 Vernon streetlights from high pressure sodium (HPS) to light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The project will cost a total of $717,000, with funds coming from the Casino Reserve.
“Once the conversion is complete, the City will save approximately $58,500 on annual electrical costs, at today’s prices,” said Chris Ovens, manager of Roads, Drainage and Airport for the City of Vernon. “These savings will be returned to the Casino Reserve, replacing the full $717,000 in a little over 12 years.”
The conversion project will happen in two phases, starting in the spring of 2020 and finishing in the fall of 2020. Each phase will take approximately five weeks to complete and the work will be done by two City of Vernon Signal Traffic Technicians.
In addition to the bulb replacements, a light study will also take place, providing comprehensive recommendations on the specific wattage and angle required for each light standard in order to provide a uniform lighting approach that takes into consideration varied aspects of the built community.
“Not every corner, intersection or sidewalk is built the same,” said Ovens, “so the light study and consultant’s recommendations will help us ensure we place the right LED bulbs in the right locations and use the correct angles for each area.”
“Taking this step to LED conversion demonstrates great leadership,” said Mayor Victor Cumming. “Not only are we taking another step towards our overall financial sustainability efforts, but we are also making a significant effort to save electricity costs over the long term and use our City’s internal financial resources responsibly.”
BC Hydro has confirmed it is also working on a light conversion project across the province.