As municipalities begin their annual budget process, many are searching, as always, to save taxpayer dollars. There are powerful tools municipalities now can use to save in the future, as they plan to take advantage of one of the biggest money saving opportunities out there: conversion to energy- and money-saving LED streetlights. To get started, your municipality can:
1 – Request your streetlight inventory from your utility.
2 – Consider retaining Computel or a similar firm that conducts billing audits for municipal utility bills. They are paid a percentage of the refund that they obtain for you.
3 – Consider an ArcGIS streetlight inventory to ensure that your LED replacement light fixtures will have the correct light levels (wattage and lumens) depending on application: residential, business or roadway. (Note: Municipalities in some utility territories can gain access to ArcGIS audit information after requesting to buy their streetlights; ask your utility representative.) Some municipalities conduct their own GIS audits using widely available technology; others prefer to hire a firm to do it. Our consortium can help you access information on both avenues.
What is an ArcGIS streetlight inventory?
Streetlight Inventory is a configuration of ArcGIS Online and the Collector for the ArcGIS application that can be used by public works operations staff to inventory streetlights erected at the edge of a road or walkway. The Streetlight Inventory map helps public works staff develop a comprehensive inventory of streetlights and the poles to which they are attached, and prepares this information for related maintenance management workflows. With regard to LED conversion, ArcGIS gives you detailed information about each fixture’s wattage and lumens, so that you can plan appropriate replacements for each light fixture.
Why is such detailed information needed?
Studies have shown 17 percent savings can be realized by undertaking this type of inventory. Some communities that have converted to money-saving LED streetlights have experienced fallout from homeowners who object to the brightness of the lights. This is not a necessary follow-on to LED conversion; it simply means that insufficient planning took place as to proper light levels for different areas in the community.
How much does an ArcGIS inventory cost?
The Mid-Hudson Streetlight Consortium can help you set up an inventory project.
– Municipal volunteers or staff can conduct the audit, and various consulting firms can analyze the data for a fee.
– Generally, rates begin at $8 to $9 per light for a inventory and analysis project.
What can our municipality do with this information, once we have it?
The Mid-Hudson Streetlight Consortium is now in operation, and elsewhere in this newsletter you’ll read about the services we offer at no charge to municipalities, thanks to a NYSERDA Cleaner Greener Communities award. We invite you to join the Consortium (application below) and we will help you use the inventory to study your next moves, which can include purchasing your streetlights from your utility company and then purchasing LEDs or leasing LEDs from the utility. The inventory will give you granular information to ensure that light levels are appropriate for residential, commercial, and highway applications.