WOONSOCKET – Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt announced that the city is seeking City Council approval to enter into an agreement with the Partnership for Rhode Island Streetlight Management to replace streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights.
Based in South Kingstown, the partnership, a membership energy aggregation collaborative, is a former program of the Washington County Regional Planning Council. PRISM Streetlights Inc. was incorporated as a nonprofit in the fall of 2016 to allow municipalities a vehicle by which to manage delivery, cost and maintenance of streetlight systems, according to its website.
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According to a statement from the mayor’s office, the LED conversion cost for the city, net of National Grid and state incentives, is estimated to be about $453,000. National Grid partner Rethinking Power Management LLC projects the city’s annual electric and maintenance LED savings to be $521,000, with 10-year savings forecast at $5.2 million.
“This ‘Go Green’ LED streetlight initiative will enhance public safety by better illuminating our streets, reducing our streetlight energy costs by approximately 70% and lessening carbon emissions. It is a win for Woonsocket taxpayers and for the environment,” said Baldelli-Hunt. “This project quickly pays for itself within one year from the energy and maintenance cost savings that it generates.”
PRISM Streetlights was the low-cost bidder and demonstrated a broad knowledge of LED lighting, a history of successful LED conversions and a record of responsive post-conversion maintenance, according to the city. Baldelli-Hunt said she would like the replacement and design process to begin as soon as possible.
The City Council began a review of PRISM Streetlight’s proposal at an Aug. 17 workshop meeting. Once approved, the city will work with PRISM Streetlights on where lighting will best improve visibility and safety.
Susan Shalhoub is a PBN contributing writer.
