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Lake Forest council approves Southern California Edison LED streetlight replacement
Summary
The Lake Forest City Council approved an agreement with Southern California Edison (SCE) to enroll in SCE’s Schedule LS‑1 Option E LED fixture replacement program, a tariff-driven program SCE says will yield long-term energy and cost savings for Edison‑owned streetlights.
The Lake Forest City Council voted 4-0 to approve an agreement with Southern California Edison to convert Edison‑owned streetlights to LED fixtures under SCE’s Schedule LS‑1 Option E program.
Council members, staff and two Edison representatives discussed contract length, ownership and projected savings before the vote. The council’s approved action accepts the tariff program SCE is offering for lights owned by the utility and authorizes staff to finalize the agreement as described in the consent calendar item.
Why it matters: The city does not own most streetlight fixtures; Southern California Edison does. Under the program SCE presented, fixture replacement is recovered under a 20‑year tariff amortization. SCE representatives said the program produces annual savings that accumulate over time and that the tariff allows the city to pay off the recovery mechanism at any time without interest. City staff told council the program would produce savings in the tens of thousands of dollars annually and that the projected payback is achieved through energy and maintenance reductions over the tariff period.
Discussion highlights: Council members asked whether the city could purchase poles or otherwise remove itself from a multi‑decade tariff. Kelly Lee, representing Southern California Edison, told the council “the lights are not for sale.” John King, who manages the program and said he also serves on the Covina city council, noted the tariff includes a 0% interest recovery mechanism and that, while the city may pay off the recovery at any time, most jurisdictions elect to amortize over the 20‑year period to preserve capital.
Several council members raised governance and long‑term flexibility concerns, including whether a 20‑year commitment could limit future councils’ options. City staff and the city attorney said the city may explore other avenues—up to and including more extreme legal remedies such as eminent domain—but that those routes are difficult, costly and uncommon.
Outcome and next steps: The consent‑calendar motion to approve the staff‑recommended agreement passed 4-0 with Mayor Voigt absent. Staff and SCE representatives said SCE has a timeline to complete program enrollment; staff will proceed with the agreement under the terms presented and report back to council as needed.
