Hendersonville considers $2.3M LED streetlight conversion to achieve annual savings

In a recent meeting of the Hendersonville Public Works Committee, discussions centered on a proposed LED conversion for streetlights, a project aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs for the city. The initiative, presented by William Hawthorne from Path, highlighted the potential benefits of transitioning to LED lighting, which has been successfully implemented in neighboring cities such as Goodlettsville, Brentwood, and Nashville.

The estimated cost for the LED conversion project is approximately $2.3 million. This figure includes a necessary upfront payment to Nashville Electric Service (NES) for the existing streetlight infrastructure. The project is expected to yield significant savings, with annual costs projected to drop from $294,000 to around $141,000, resulting in an estimated annual savings of $152,005. This translates to a return on investment (ROI) of roughly 15 years, although the savings could increase over time due to rising streetlight expenses.

A key point of discussion was the recent increase in incentives from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which could provide an additional $150,000 to support the project. This financial boost, while not covering the entire cost, adds to the project's viability.

Committee members expressed concerns about the complexities of managing streetlights on poles owned by NES and other entities, emphasizing the need for a thorough audit to ensure accurate project scoping. Hawthorne reassured the committee that recent audits conducted by NES would facilitate this process, allowing for a more streamlined approach to the conversion.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of moving away from the current maintenance cycle, which has proven cumbersome and costly. By adopting LED technology, Hendersonville aims to not only improve its street lighting system but also to create a more sustainable and financially sound future for its public works.

As the committee continues to evaluate the proposal, the anticipated next steps include finalizing the project scope and securing necessary approvals to move forward with the conversion. The outcome of this initiative could significantly impact the city's operational costs and environmental footprint in the years to come.