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Committee weighs Duke LED streetlight conversion, cites >50% energy savings potential

Fort Thomas City Council · September 3, 2024

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Summary

A public‑utilities committee reported on a possible conversion of about 900 city streetlights under 'Duke's' LED program, estimating more than a 50% reduction in energy use, lamp lives of ~20 years vs. 7, and payback periods of roughly seven years for taller fixtures; the committee will get updated numbers and decide whether to recommend action.

Eric, a member of the public utilities committee, reported to council that the committee reviewed an LED streetlight conversion program offered by 'Duke' that would affect about 900 lights in Fort Thomas.

"There's about a 50% potential savings...it's greater than 50% reduction in energy usage with the new LED lighting," Eric (Speaker 3) said. He told the council the new LED fixtures have an estimated life of about 20 years versus about 7 years for the older lamps and that the breakeven period on upfront costs versus energy savings would be roughly seven years for taller 'cobra' style streetlights and about 14–15 years for post‑top fixtures.

Why it matters: A conversion could materially lower the city's annual energy bill and reduce maintenance costs over time, but it requires a capital decision on how to pay for the upfront cost and whether to phase the work or pay in installments.

Committee members discussed two choices: whether to have another committee meeting to vet updated numbers or take a recommendation directly to full council. Financing options presented included payments over 1, 3, 5 or 7 years, and the committee asked the vendor for updated figures; a previous estimate from 2021 showed about $85,000 in annual cost savings, which the committee asked be refreshed.

What’s next: The vendor will supply updated cost and savings numbers within a few weeks. The committee will review the updated numbers and decide whether to recommend the program to the full council or pursue the default approach of replacing lights as they fail.