City Council reviews $2.5M LED light upgrade proposal for streets and parks

The Hendersonville Public Works Committee convened on May 27, 2025, to continue discussions on the city's LED light conversion project, a significant initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to gather funding comparisons and the status of the project, which has been a topic of concern for city officials.

A key focus of the meeting was the proposed budget allocations for the LED light conversion. The mayor has earmarked $2.5 million for street light upgrades and an additional $600,000 for converting park lights to LED. These figures are based on recent surveys conducted by Nashville Electric Service (NES), which has inventoried the city's street lights and provided estimates for the conversion process. However, the committee expressed frustration over NES's delayed response regarding detailed funding comparisons, which are crucial for making informed decisions.

The discussions revealed that while the $600,000 allocated for park lights is a step forward, it would only cover a fraction of the total lights needing conversion. Estimates suggest that this amount may not even reach 25% of the park lights, indicating a substantial gap in funding if the city aims to fully upgrade its lighting infrastructure. The committee acknowledged the importance of strategic planning to maximize the impact of the available funds.

Additionally, the committee discussed the implications of maintaining ownership of the light posts. Under the current proposal, NES would retain ownership and maintenance responsibilities, which would result in lower monthly fees for the city compared to the existing costs. This arrangement is intended to alleviate the financial burden on the city while still progressing towards a more energy-efficient lighting system.

As the meeting concluded, the committee recognized the need for further clarification on the inventory of existing LED lights in the parks and the overall budget implications. The discussions underscored the city's commitment to enhancing public infrastructure while navigating the complexities of funding and maintenance agreements.

Moving forward, the committee plans to continue its efforts to secure the necessary information from NES and explore additional funding options to ensure the successful implementation of the LED conversion project. The outcome of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping Hendersonville's approach to sustainable energy solutions and public safety enhancements.