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November 9, 2009 Section 6: Municipal Operations Traffic Signals and Streetlights In 2002, 750 traffic signal lights were converted to more energy efficient LED (light-emitting diodes) bulbs starting with the green and red traffic lights. Since then, all traffic signals have been converted to LED technology, from the older incandescent lamps. Traffic signals that use LEDs consume 80-90 percent less energy and generally last 5-7 years, compared to just a year for a comparable incandescent light signal. LED traffic signals also offer significant peak demand savings since they operate 24 hours a day.21 Given the success of the LED traffic signals, the City is now looking to replace streetlights with more efficient fixture types. Switching to energy efficient streetlights will save taxpayer money and greenhouse gases. Most street lights are high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. The streetlight retrofit would require replacing the entire head of each street light, to replace the HPS lamp and ballast. Retrofitting the street lights are expected to result to reduced electricity consumption by up to 40 percent. Water and Sewage Facilities The Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) is generally the largest single energy user of all City facilities. A project to install a cogeneration unit is already underway. The cogeneration unit will run off the methane gas produced in the digesters. The cogeneration will produce electricity to operate the plant and heat to run the plant's anaerobic digester. Reduce, then Produce Following the City's initial efforts to reduce energy use, The City is considering assessing the feasibility of a solar installation site at the Water Pollution Control Plant. Given the economic and environmental benefits of improving the energy efficiency of municipal buildings, the City will prioritize efficiency improvements prior to the more expensive solar PV installations. Power purchase agreements (PPAs) may also be an approach to installing solar systems. A PPA involves leasing the photovoltaic equipment and paying for the energy on a monthly basis. Third-party PPAs are generally feasible for large (>500 kW) PV systems, but not for small systems (<100 kW) as the administrative and financing costs often outweigh the potential tax benefits. The City is waiting for energy efficiency upgrades to be completed on City Hall before evaluating potential photovoltaic systems for that building. Measures and actions for consideration: 21 Consortium for Energy Efficiency. httpa/www.cee1.org/gov/led/led-main.php3 ~~~ sari r~9'~o Page 45 c SC1YFj`{,'