There is a new look to the outside entrance of the Allentown City Hall at night. Light emitting diode fixtures, the first such area lights in eastern Pennsylvania, were installed at no cost to the City of Allentown as a demonstration project facilitated by the Sustainable Energy Fund of Central Eastern Pennsylvania.

The LED lights are expected to have an operating life from 50,000 to 100,000 hours of use making them virtually maintenance free.

According to Jennifer Hopkins, President of the SEF, “We are trying to demonstrate that state of the art lighting technologies can reduce energy consumption, improve lighting and minimize light pollution. We are thrilled with the opportunity to partner with the Allentown and look forward to future collaborative projects.”

The City’s Director of Public Works Director, Peter Wernsdorfer noted, “LED lights are part of an ongoing implementation program of energy efficiency measures the city is taking to save costs and energy. LED lights have been successfully used in traffic lighting in our area and we are testing new applications on a demonstration basis.”

William McMahon of Econ Opportunities, Inc. a Reading based engineering firm involved in the project, said, “Each of the three new LED lights uses 70 watts. They replace metal halide lights that used about 170 watts each. In addition, the new lights have improved foot-candle light levels 2 to 4 times previous light levels.” McMahon added, “The City should save about 25,000 kilowatt hours and $5,000 in combined electric and maintenance costs over the life of the new LED fixtures at today’s costs.”

Mr. Brad Salamone of Atlantic Energy, the project’s installer, observed, “We believe that LED lights are the future in lighting technology. New LED products for a multitude of applications are coming out every day. You are starting to see them everywhere you look.”

An additional benefit benefit of the new LED lights is their compliance with the “Dark Skies” program designed to prevent lighting shining upward into the atmosphere – otherwise known as light pollution.

John Forsyth, the SEF’s technical consultant stated, “We are hoping that municipalities see the benefit of using LED’s, in terms of energy savings and cost savings. The City of Allentown Project is a good demonstration project to begin to create awareness. We are ready and willing to help municipalities, government, universities, and businesses with these types of projects.”

The Sustainable Energy Fund will provide a turnkey solution to municipalities, including an energy audit guaranteeing the savings, installation, and financing of the project. The energy savings pays for the project and result in no out-of-pocket costs for the municipalities.

Installer: The lights were installed by Atlantic Energy Concepts located in Reading.

Manufacturer: “IntenCity Lighting” of Little Rock Arkansas, a US firm, says they are working on new lights for street lighting and parking garages across the country. This is their first project in the Allentown area.

Partnerships: The SEF has partnered with other municipalities in the LED retrofitting program, including Pottsville, Bloomsburg, Minersville, Northampton Borough, St. Clair, Danville, and Shenandoah.

The SEF offers attractive funding opportunities for projects that offer a strong fit with its mission. For more information or to apply visit the SEF website.

6/8/2007