CONTACT: Lindsay Henderson – Cape Light Compact Communications (508) 375-6889 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

                                                                                                                                                           

CAPE LIGHT COMPACT TO RELEASE BID FOR EFFICIENT STREETLIGHTS 

Cape Light Compact Provides Funding to Replace Municipally Owned Streetlights with Light Emitting Diode (LED) Streetlights

Barnstable, Mass., July 12, 2013 – Over 15,000 municipal owned streetlights on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard are going to be changed from high-pressure sodium to light emitting diodes (LED), as part of Cape Light Compact’s (“the Compact”) 2013-2015 Statewide Energy Efficiency Plan. The Compact will be providing these streetlights at no charge to the participating communities.

The Compact’s Governing Board Chair Dr. Joyce Flynn states, “This is the Compact’s largest project to date and one that will dramatically reduce member towns’ costs for purchasing electricity and maintaining streetlights.”

In the first quarter of 2013, the Compact installed LED streetlights at various test locations in participating towns and Fire Districts. Through this demonstration period, the Compact obtained feedback from members of the public in order to better assist in the transition. The Compact has also been working closely with town Department of Public Works (DPW) and Highway staff who have provided important input regarding various lighting performance metrics such as the color temperature characteristics and light trespass controls.

Oak Bluffs Highway Superintendent, Richard Combra Jr., says, “It is hard to say no to a project like this. Saving money is always high on my list.”

Many years ago, the streetlights were changed from white mercury vapor to the “orange glow” high-pressure sodium lights , so by having the demonstration period, the Compact is working to make this a smoother transition by incorporating the feedback received.

LED technologies are designed to use 40-50% less energy and last longer than existing streetlights, thereby lowering the municipal maintenance costs. This energy saving project is projected to save towns and Fire Districts approximately $520,000 per year on their electric bills and streetlight maintenance.

The Compact is releasing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on or after July 12 which will include a technical assessment of appropriate lighting solutions by qualified contractor(s) who will provide a street lighting audit report that will demonstrate unique solutions that will work for each participant prior to fixture order and installation. Installs are expected to begin in January 2014 and be completed by next June. The RFQ can be found on our website at www.capelightcompact.org/request-for-proposal.

For more information about the test locations or to watch an installation video, please visit www.capelightcompact.org/ledstreetlights.

 

About Cape Light Compact

Cape Light Compact is an intergovernmental organization consisting of the 21 towns and 2 counties on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.  The Compact’s mission is to serve our 200,000 customers through the delivery of proven energy efficiency programs, effective consumer advocacy, competitive electricity supply and green power options.  For more information, visit www.capelightcompact.org or call 1-800-797-6699.

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