Canaan approves Affinity LED streetlight upgrade with on-bill financing

The Canaan Select Board voted Tuesday to move forward with an Affinity LED streetlight program designed to reduce the town's electricity costs. The upgrade includes a zero-percent loan with on-bill financing and certified hazardous disposal of replaced fixtures, and the board asked that the signed agreement be sent to Town Administrator Jack Wozmak.

The plan was presented by Affinity representatives and discussed with input from Bryan Armbrust of NH Saves, who the board thanked for helping to bring the program to Canaan. Select Board Chair Stephen Freese said the town would also review existing streetlights to verify billing and function and consider adding new lights where public-safety needs were identified.

Why it matters: Officials said the LED conversion could lower operating costs for the town and that the financing structure would minimize up-front budget impacts. Board members also expressed interest in a lighting audit of town buildings to find additional savings.

What the board did: On a motion by Sadie Wells, seconded by Stephen Freese, the Select Board approved moving ahead with the Affinity LED streetlight agreement as presented. The motion passed; the record did not list a roll-call tally. Wozmak was tasked with receiving the agreement and next steps.

Background and next steps: The presentation covered equipment disposal and financing details but did not include a final cost worksheet in the record; the board requested a review of current streetlight billing and a potential audit of municipal building lighting. Affinity representatives present included Steve Lieber and Kelly Smiglielski.