Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Contact: Karen Acar 703-228-3152 (voice) 703-228-4711(TTY)
Federal Stimulus Funds Create Model LED Streetlight Program in Arlington
- County’s program one of nation’s first
- $500,000 will be spent by mid-September
- Funds also helping boost energy efficiency in County buildings, create commercial properties incentive program
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Arlington is using some $500,000 in federal stimulus funding to become one of the first communities in the nation to launch a large-scale conversion of its streetlights to more energy efficient light-emitting diode, or LEDs. The conversion, over time, will produce both significant savings in electricity costs for the County and environmental benefits.
“This is a prime example of how federal stimulus funds are being put to good use,” said Arlington County Board Chairman Jay Fisette. “By leveraging these funds, we are transforming the way we light our streets in a way that saves taxpayer dollars and helps the environment.”
Other communities across the nation are now turning to Arlington for “best practices” in converting to LED streetlights, Fisette noted.
County on track to replace 40 percent of streetlights by spring 2011
By leveraging the federal funding made available through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) program, the County expects to replace about 40 percent of the streetlights it owns by spring 2011 – nearly 1,800 lights. Depending on the availability of funding, the County plans to complete the conversion of all County-owned streetlights to LEDs within six years, installing 500 new street lights every year. The County also recently completed the replacement of all red, yellow and green traffic signal lamps with LEDs. Arlington also pays Dominion Power for an additional 11,700 lights, which are not yet scheduled for conversion. Arlington and Dominion are exploring options to improve the energy efficiency of those in the future.
Using a mix of streetlight replacements and retrofits, Arlington could ultimately reduce its system’s power consumption by up to 60 percent based on current consumption rates. In current dollars and current electrical rates, with 100 percent conversion, the County could save more than $1 million a year. Full conversion is dependent on funding availability beyond Arlington’s current 6-year Capital Improvement Program and yet-to-be-developed conversion options with Dominion Power.
About the LED streetlight conversion program:
In 2009, Arlington began upgrading its streetlight system, in order to:
- Reduce its energy costs and consumption
- Achieve the County’s goal of improving overall energy efficiency
- Decrease harmful greenhouse gas emissions resulting from County operations
In addition to the energy benefits, Arlington’s new streetlights will also be:
- Environmentally friendly
- Fully dark-sky compliant
- Paid for through cost savings within the seven year warranty period
- And will have the ability to be remote controlled (including dimmed late at night – saving even more energy)
Remaining funds to go toward energy efficiency and saving
The remaining $1.585 million EECBG funds will be used in the coming months for a number of energy reduction and efficiency tactics, including:
- Installation of a solar electric system on the roof of the Central Library. The County has already reduced electricity consumption by 40 percent at this facility through energy efficiency improvements, and this solar installation will provide up to 20 percent of the peak power requirements for the building.
- Replacement of inefficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in a Trades Center County building. These upgrades are expected to cut energy consumption by one-third while improving occupant comfort.
- Stimulation of energy efficiency activity in the private sector, through commercial property energy audits and incentives, leveraging a new Virginia Power program for efficiency rebates offered by Dominion.
Learn more about the County's implementation of ARRA funds online.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
