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SFPUC approves LED exemption for Hunters Point, advances Tenderloin smart‑controller pilot
Summary
The SFPUC approved an exemption to allow Luminec LED post‑top fixtures for the Hunters Point Shipyard/Hunters View projects and heard a status update on an LED and ROAM smart‑controller pilot in the Tenderloin; staff estimated payback periods and committed to a follow‑up report in six months.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission authorized an exemption to standard procurement rules to permit a Luminec acorn‑style LED post‑top fixture for use at the Hunters Point Shipyard and Hunters View redevelopment projects and discussed a city pilot to test LED fixtures and wireless smart‑controller technology.
Sue Black, utility services manager for Power Enterprise, reviewed the Tenderloin pilot: conversion of 50 high‑pressure sodium fixtures to LED with smart controller nodes (ROAM wireless system), remote monitoring and daily diagnostics, and the ability to control on/off schedules. Black said the system should reduce outages and maintenance costs and produce energy savings; staff expects a 10–12 year payback for retrofits and a 7–8 year payback for new LED installations, with retrofit cost estimates on the order of $10,000,000 for cobra‑head fixtures citywide and about $1,200,000 to implement citywide smart controllers.
Staff said fixture prices are falling and expected to drop roughly in half over the next six months to a year as more manufacturers enter the market. The Luminec fixture presented met RP‑8 performance requirements and was judged by staff to be suitable for Hunters Point given current pole placement; Lennar was identified as providing support for the energy‑efficiency effort. Commissioners discussed updating procurement policy criteria to prefer energy efficiency and low maintenance and emphasized piloting in diverse block/neighborhood contexts before wide rollout.
Public commenter Francisco DeCosta applauded LED adoption in city‑controlled areas but urged caution with private redevelopment partners (he criticized Lennar's record). The commission moved, seconded and approved the resolution authorizing the LED exemption by voice vote. Staff will return with pilot results, procurement recommendations and potential funding options in roughly six months.
