In April 2024, the City Council authorized a Master Services Agreement with Duke Energy for a comprehensive lighting upgrade across City facilities, encompassing City-owned buildings and parks. This initiative involved procuring, delivering, installing, and maintaining new LED lighting equipment to replace outdated fixtures that have exceeded their life expectancy, necessitating extensive repairs by city staff.
The energy efficiency enhancement includes replacing LED tubes and bulbs in interior lights at City Hall and the City Hall Annex, and upgrading fixtures for exterior lighting at City Hall, the Annex, and the Gymnasium & Aquatics Facility. This also encompasses parking lot lights at City Hall, the Annex, Public Safety locations, the Gymnasium & Aquatics Facility, and the Oviedo Sports Complex, along with street lights along Center Lake Lane, City Plaza Way, Mike Roberto Way, City Walk Lane, and Boardwalk Avenue.
Duke Energy conducted a comprehensive study of the city's lighting systems and proposed efficiency measures that are anticipated to save the city over $25,000 annually in energy costs.
The City explored various purchasing options, including shortening the program duration or opting for an outright cash purchase. The Finance Department evaluated several factors such as projected monthly energy savings, reductions in utility bills, estimated maintenance savings, and the expected return on investment for a cash purchase. Based on its analysis, the Finance Department approved the program for a total of $115,000, in addition to a monthly maintenance fee of $268. The projected savings over ten years are expected to exceed $276,000.
The city's commitment to the environment through LED efficiency can be depicted as follows:
- Cityscape: City buildings, parks, and streets will be illuminated with energy-efficient LED lights.
- Energy Efficiency: LED bulbs emit bright, clear light while consuming significantly less energy than traditional lighting.
- Sustainability: Reducing the carbon footprint by lowering energy consumption and emissions.
- Cost Savings: The financial benefits include reduced energy bills and long-term savings projections.
- Community: Under LED lighting, residents will enjoy well-lit parks and safe streets.
- Innovation: This program showcases the city's progressive approach to environmental stewardship and technological advancement through LED adoption.
This program symbolizes the city's dedication to environmental sustainability and efficiency by embracing LED technology. It portrays a modern urban environment where energy-saving initiatives enhance aesthetics and safety and contribute to a cleaner, greener future for all residents.
