Data Analytics and Statistics Hub

Clean and Sustainable Environment

Convert all County-owned streetlights to LED by 2025

2,160 

FY20 Actual


FY19 Actual
1,465

Objective Description

By 2025, Howard County will convert all streetlights to energy-efficient, long-lasting LED lighting. Converting streetlights to LED allows the County to reduce energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on electricity and monthly maintenance fees charged by BGE. LED lights are more energy-efficient and require much less maintenance than sodium vapor, mercury vapor, and metal halide lights. Replacing the lights can be expensive because costs include new fixtures, new lights, and labor. Annual savings can cover initial capital costs over time. Over 20 years, this conversion is expected to generate cost savings of at least $2.5 million and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.045 metric tons, the equivalent of planting 50,000 trees.

Trend Analysis

As of FY 2018, the County has converted 1,465 County-owned streetlights to LED. This number is expected to remain flat or to experience a slight increase in FY 2019 during project planning. This number is expected to increase by 50% each year in FY 2020 and FY 2021.

Strategies

  • Identify funds in the County’s budget to cover initial investment, with annual savings in electricity and maintenance costs to pay back the investment over time.
  • Determine best contracting vehicle for new lighting purchase and installation and initiate contractor selection process
  • Purchase and install new LED light fixtures.

Source: Baltimore Gas & Electric

Detailed Analysis


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