Hall County officials are expected to continue the modernization of the county's aging street light fixtures by allowing their replacement with more energy-efficient LED lights.
During Monday's work session, county commissioners heard a proposal from Georgia Power to replace nearly 500 "post-mounted" fixtures around the county, primarily on neighborhood streets.
The proposal is considered Phase 3 of the street light project. Earlier phases saw Georgia Power replace the county's "cobra-head" fixtures, which are most often found along larger roadways and highways throughout the county.
Public Works Director Ken Reardon said Georgia Power has offered to install the new fixtures at no cost the the county, recouping their expenses by temporarily raising the energy rates of the upgraded fixtures.
Commissioners were largely supportive of the project, although District 1 Commissioner Kathy Cooper mentioned to Reardon some negative feedback she had recently received from a constituent regarding the new LED fixtures.
"A gentleman at Royal Lakes had done some research, and he's not particularly happy with the way it looks - the damage it could do to his eyes," she explained. "I want you to look over that for us so I can respond back to him."
The LED fixtures are expected to save the county around $500 annually, and offer a number of advantages over less-efficient and outdated types of light, including:
- 50,000+ hours of life, compared to 30,000 for high-pressure sodium lights or 15,000 for metal halide.
- Directional design that reduces that amount of stray light
- Improved uniformity and lighting quality
District 4 Commissioner Jeff Stowe voiced his support for the project, noting he had seen its results first-hand.
"They did my street last year, and the amount of light that it puts out - and doesn't spill into the yard - is dramatic compared to the old lights," he said. "Much more visibility down the street."
Cooper asked Stowe if he liked the new fixtures, prompting Stowe to respond: "Ten times better."
Reardon said the project is already providing unforeseen benefits, explaining that construction crews pouring concrete at the county's new compactor site had been able to forego the use of their portable light units, finding the new LED fixtures in the area capable of lighting their work without the need for supplemental equipment.
Commissioners will vote on the proposal at their scheduled meeting on Thursday at the Hall County Government Center.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/5/539282/another-round-of-street-light-upgrades-expected-for-hall-county-roadways