The implementation of LED streetlights in Mapleton Township could potentially save the municipality upwards of $50,000 over five years, council heard on Aug. 26.
The new lights would use about a quarter of the energy of current fixtures, Mayor Bruce Whale commented before council voted to proceed with a preliminary audit.
“Based on the numbers from 2013 in terms of electricity and repair costs, the total was $78,900,” said CAO Patty Sinnamon.
“But we will be saving approximately $60,000 with the LED lights over five years. The (audit) will reaffirm that.”
At its July 4, council approved a debenture of up to $1,000,000 to cover the cost of bridge repairs and streetlight upgrades.
At the meeting on Aug. 26, finance director Yufang Du recommended that council proceed with a loan application to Infrastructure Ontario as the interest rates through Wellington County appeared to be higher (2.76 with the county versus 2.62 with Infrastructure Ontario).
Du suggested a 10-year debenture for the bridge work in the amount of $538,500 and a five-year debenture of $242,800 for the street light upgrades.
On July 22 council accepted a proposal from Real Term Energy, a partner of Local Authority Services, for the design and retrofit of LED lights within the township.
“From the numbers I saw, it looks like the electricity being used by the new fixtures would be just over a quarter of what we’re currently using,” said Mayor Bruce Whale. “The savings would be 75 per cent of the current cost.”
Part of the streetlight upgrade project requires an investigative audit to be completed by Real Term Energy. The audit will verify the size, location and type of streetlights, energy and maintenance invoices, and other aspects of the streetlight system.
Public works director Brad McRoberts said following the completion of the audit, it will be provided to council for review and consideration. Based on the findings, council may choose to opt out or sign a formal agreement.
“My intention is to give notice tomorrow to proceed and they’ll have 120 days to complete the audit and that gives us enough time to submit a funding application before the end of the year,” McRoberts said.
Councillor Jim Curry wondered how the audit and subsequent replacement of the streetlights would affect area residents.
“Will we have to shut down half the village,” Curry asked.
McRoberts said the work would cause minimal disruption. “I expect it will be completed on a fixture-to-fixture basis. It would be unobtrusive to residents,” he said.
Du said because the application process through Infrastructure Ontario is lengthy, it is unlikely they would receive the funding until December.
Reserve funds may be used to cover the costs in the meantime.
Residents who require an immediate streetlight repair can file a request on the township website.
