FREEPORT
Freeport is looking to save a significant amount of money by converting its streetlights to LED fixtures.
The change will be discussed at tonight’s Freeport town council meeting. It will take place at 6:30 p.m.
Installing LEDs would cost an estimated $125,000, according to Freeport Town Planner Donna Larson, who noted there is still work to be done before the town knows the final price tag. Currently, the town pays Central Maine Power each month to lease the existing streetlight fixtures, and Freeport would have to buy them to make the change.
The total streetlight bill is now a little more than $45,000 annually, Larson said, with approximately $26,000 just to lease the fixtures.
LED fixtures are expected to have a long life, Larson said, and the town would own them. She noted that the budget could drop to approximately $10,000, and maybe even less. Larson hopes installation would take place by Memorial Day.
The proposed project is part of a regional movement, Larson said, noting that the Falmouth town manager has worked with the Maine Public Utilities Commission for many years to have the ability to make such a change.
The town’s current lights are equipped with a sensor and simply turn on at dusk and go off at dawn. LED streetlights offer the town many more options.
With a control system, the town can turn off lights in certain areas or dim them. The town would have to install a fiber optics line, but the LED fixtures can also serve as WiFi hot spots and help improve cell phone coverage.
A representative from Real Term Energy, the town’s contractor for the LED streetlight conversion process, will be at tonight’s meeting to give a short presentation and answer questions.
As a test, the town had four LED fixtures installed in front of the town office. The town has been inviting residents to email or call Larson and let her know which light color they prefer. Larson can be reached at [email protected] or (207) 865-4743 ext. 103.
Other business
In other business tonight, Finance Director Jessica Maloy will present the 2019 capital program, and the council will consider setting a public hearing on the proposal on April 3.
In addition, two public hearings will take place — one on a new special amusement permit and one for a new liquor license for the Hilton Garden Inn — discussion will take place on an energy services agreement and the Hunter Road fields maintenance contract.
Cliff Goodall will also be recognized for his extensive service to the town. He served a year each on the Village Planning Committee and Comprehensive Planning Committee and longer stints on the Traffic and Parking Committee (2010-18) and the Project Review Board (2004-10).
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