In an effort to promote energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, the City of Sterling Heights announced it will invest in the conversion of 233 mercury vapor light fixtures located throughout the city to new LED technology.
The Sterling Heights City Council approved an agreement Tuesday night with DTE Energy to convert the proposed fixtures. The 233 LED fixtures will be replaced in various locations, including Saal Road, 16 ½ Mile Road, 19 Mile Road and Metropolitan Parkway.
In 2008, the Sterling Heights City Council approved the “Strategy for a Sustainable Sterling Heights,” a policy dedicated to protecting the environment and conserving energy. As a result, the city has invested in the DTE Energy LED Campaign, an energy incentive program that provides customers a per-fixture rebate when they convert mercury vapor and some high-pressure sodium streetlight fixtures to LED fixtures. This conversion yields significant energy and environmental savings, as these older fixtures that may contain mercury use significantly more energy and require more frequent replacement than LED lights. Additionally, LED fixtures have lower operating costs and reduce CO2 emissions from DTE power generation plants.
According to City Development Director Denice Gerstenberg, the City of Sterling Heights currently has approximately 2,500 streetlights. In 2014, the City Council approved conversions of 206 fixtures to LED technology, and another 438 fixtures will be converted this year with the ongoing Van Dyke Reconstruction project.
“The replacement of traditional light fixtures to LED technology exemplifies the city’s commitment to environmentally friendly infrastructure and a commitment to promoting a sustainable environment," said Mayor Michael C. Taylor.
“Sterling Heights will continue to search for innovative ways to best serve our residents while also being as green as possible.” said City Manager Mark Vanderpool.
In the agreement approved Tuesday, DTE proposed replacement of 233 mercury vapor fixtures at a total cost of $51,250. After construction has been completed, the city will receive an incentive rebate from DTE for approximately $10,450, thereby reducing the project cost to $40,800. City lamp charges from DTE will be reduced by an estimated 29 percent as a result of this conversion, from $52,324.66 to $37,089.76, a $15,234.90 annual savings, Gerstenberg said. The projected payback after the rebate is a 2.68 years.
Media with questions can contact Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle at (586) 446-2471 or email bdoyle@sterling-heights.net.