HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.F- Public Works 8.F
DOC ID: 2296
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO—REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Information/Report
From: Robert Eisenbeisz M/CC Meeting Date: 02/19/2013
Prepared by: Linda Dortch, (909)384-5140
Dept: Public Works Ward(s): All
Subject:
Update on Repair of City Street Lights and Alternative Technologies
Financial Impact:
None
Motion: Authorize City staff to seek a funding plan for use of alternative technologies
such as solar and LED technology including funding from federal, state, local and
private sources to achieve cost savings.
A Synopsis of Previous Council Action:
Summary
On July 2,2012 the City Council directed staff to provide a report on street lights to address the
issue of burnt out lights and study the potential for solar or LED lights. This action is the result
of a number of lights not working throughout the community and the expenditures pertaining to
C the servicing and maintenance of lights.
There are approximately 14,000 safety lights throughout streets in San Bernardino. Of these, it is
estimated that 6,500 are operated and maintained by Southern California Edison(SCE). The
remainder of lights are under the care of the City. In FY 11/12,total expenses were
approximately$2.2 million for electricity,repairs, materials, labor and contract which is
approximately 5 percent of the Public Works operating budget.
Safety lighting is an important service provided to the community by Public Works staff. Staff is
committed to addressing the lighting issue in an efficient and effective manner that complies
with the National Electric Code.
This report addresses the funding and operations of City Street lights essential to the community.
All tables shown in the document are included in the Appendix as an attachment.
Backeround•
At the July 2, 2012 Mayor and Common Council meeting, Council member Valdivia proposed
solutions to address concerns for improving the darkness of city streets. Approximately 1,000 of
San Bernardino's 14,000 street lights require replacement due to burnt out bulbs, missing wire or
various system failures. Previous analysis by staff indicated that the current system could be
repaired. As repairs and system upgrades continue, Council member Valdivia has suggested the
use of alternative energy. This approach would require the conversion of the light system to other
fixture types and lighting equipment that could reduce energy use and potentially save
maintenance costs.
C This report provides the Mayor and Common Council an update on street lighting and repairs. In
addition,this report provides summary information on alternative energy costs for future
consideration.
i
Updated:2/14/2013 by Linda Sutherland mm
2296
Analysis
The city street light system is comprised of two systems. The first is owned and operated by the
City. Approximately 1/2 of the entire system is controlled by the City. The second is owned and
operated by Southern California Edison(SCE). SCE provides energy to both systems. This
report reviews actual costs of both systems to determine if an SCE owned system is preferred
over a city owned system.
To create operational efficiencies, staff will utilize cost effective viable options for street lights.
This effort could involve solicitation of sealed bids for use of alternative light source(e.g.,LED)
or alternative energy(e.g. LED with solar) if up front capital costs can be addressed. The current
use of High Pressure Sodium vapor(HPSV) is proven. Costs for labor, maintenance, and
electricity are identified in this report.
Currently, street lighting costs are based on three rate schedules:
LS-1: This is a flat rate,unmetered cost for electrical energy, maintenance and operation based
on cost per lamp for Edison owned lights. As a flat rate, it is a monthly charge regardless of
energy consumed from if the light system is operational.
LS-2: This is a flat rate,unmetered cost for energy only based on cost per lamp for City owned
lights.
LS-3: This is a metered rate for energy consumed for City owned lights.
In the City of San Bernardino,two full time and four part time workers are tasked with the re-
lamping of fixtures, correcting malfunctioning circuits, erecting poles when knocked down due
to traffic accidents,re-wiring systems due to poor installation or vandalism, securing pull boxes
and correcting hand hole covers with anti-theft devices. In all, the City work force has re-lamped
fixtures at the rate of 1,200 per year, or 25 per week. This number increased with the addition of
four part-time electricians last year. This number recently increased again when the department
focus shifted to night work and re-lamping approximately 80 per week. Currently, crews are
focused on pulling new wire and enhancing the number of operable street lights. This time,there
are more than 1,000 lights requiring additional wire, circuit work, or re-lamping throughout the
community.
In addition to energy costs,there is a maintenance cost, inclusive of material, equipment and
labor, and potential liability. Based on equipment, material and labor costs obtained from City of
San Bernardino financial records from fiscal year 2011/12, a total maintenance cost for City
owned system is $726,695. This cost is estimated at $96.89 per City owned light per year.
To evaluate current Edison versus City owned street lighting costs, staff estimated the number of
lights at the current rate structure shown in the tables below.
Table 1: LS-1 Edison Owned-Flat Rate
No. of Source Yearly Energy Yearly Yearly Total
Lamps Cost est. Maintenance Maintenance Yearly
est. Cost est. Cost per Light Cost
6,500 HPSV $268,689 $726,457 $111.76 $995,146
Table 2: LS-2 and LS-3 San Bernardino City Owned and Maintained
No. of
C Lamps
(est.)Sourc
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2296
C Energ
EIIeI'gV
Cost
est. Yearl
X
Maintenan
ce Cost
est. Yearl
Y
Maintenan
ce Cost
per
Li htg Total
Yearlv
Cost
7,500 1 HPSV 1 $478,057 1 $726,695 1 $96.89 1 $1,204,752
Tables 1 and 2 show the significant costs associated with running a street light program. Table 3
illustrates the amount spent per capita for the operation and maintenance of street lights.
CSan Bernardino Residents: 213,000
Table 3: Cost per Capita
Expense Total Cost FY 11/12 Cost Per Capita
(Approximate) (Approximate)
Electricity $786,746 $3.69
Operations and $1,453,152 $6.82
Maintenance
Alternative Light Source
The viability of these systems requires a test program. Light Emitting Diode(LED) involves an
electronic device producing light when electricity is applied. Due to the high power levels
involved in street lights, these lights are thermally controlled so replacement is an issue. These
lights are estimated at a life span of 20 years and the Cobra Head Style fixtures are estimated to
cost$700. Although LED costs are declining, LED light fixtures replacement costs are
significantly higher than High Pressure Sodium Vapor(HPSV).
LED
It is an option to use LED. Staff has analyzed information from cities and vendors. Key
assumptions include:
1. Cobra head fixtures can be mounted to existing poles and mast arms. The existing fixtures
would be replaced with the new LED type fixture.
2. LED requires an energy source such as energy provided by SCE. LED technology requires
coordination with SCE qualified manufacturers and compliance with the National Electric Code
is mandatory. This means that use of materials, connections, and repairs follow prescribed code
Updated:2/14/2013 by Linda Sutherland
2296
requirements. Cities in Southern California have used LED in smaller pilot projects (i.e., less
than 100 fixtures).
3. As compared to HPSV, LED lighting is an issue. That is, the light coverage is different and
limitation in light coverage is apparent.
4. There is low return on the investment for lower wattage(i.e.,70 watt bulb HPSV), and higher
return for higher wattage (i.e., 400 watt bulb HPSV converts to 210 watt bulb LED producing
significant energy savings).
5. Warranties: Two years for whole system.
6. In terms of energy costs, for each dollar spent, approximately 27 percent is for energy costs
(reference: SCE LS1 light charges). If LED costs run 30 percent less than traditional lighting,
then there is only 30 percent energy cost savings. That is, staff estimates 9 percent energy cost
savings for each one dollar spent on energy.
7. Rebates- SCE has rebates per fixture for energy efficiency. The City can complete forms
found online through SCE's website. Incentives such as rebates lower the up-front capital cost.
These savings, in addition to energy savings,reduces the time it takes to recover the cost
invested in LED technology. If the City used LED replacement for 200 watt HPSV, staff
estimates the time necessary to recover costs at approximately seven years.
LED System Costs
Table 4: LED System Costs
Type Fixture Energy Energy Savings/Y Installation Payback
Watts Use/ Use ear Cost Period/Ye
Watts Cost ars
HPSV 200 263 $149.75 -
Bulb
LED 67 67 $38.15 $111.60 $711.00 6.4
Replacem
ent
Solar Power
It is an option to use solar technology. Staff has analyzed information from cities and vendors
and assumptions include:
1. Solar systems cannot be mounted to existing poles because the addition of solar panels and
battery apparatus requires deeper footings due to weight and wind loads. Stronger poles may be
required.
2. Solar is stand alone and not connected to the state power grid. The power unit is the weak link
in that batteries must be changed periodically and panels must be cleaned.
3. As compared to HPSV, LED and solar lighting coverage is an issue.
4. Warranties: Two years for whole system.
5. In terms of energy costs,there are no energy costs paid to a supplier. Therefore,there is 100
percent energy cost savings. Power supply requirements use batteries that store energy derived
from the sun.
6. Rebates-There are no rebates for solar as these are stand-alone units not connected to a power
grid. As there are not incentives such as rebates to lower the upfront capital costs,the time it
C takes to recover the cost of LED/Solar is longer than LED. Staff estimates the time necessary to
recover costs at approximately 18 years.
Updated:2/14/2013 by Linda Sutherland Packet Pg. 1295
2296
Solar power lights use LED technology and solar panels with battery apparatus. These lights are
stand alone and do not connect to the power grid. Solar powered light system costs are
significantly higher than LED. The life span is approximately 20 years and costs are estimated
between $2,700 and $8,000 per pole.
Solar System Costs
Table 5: Solar System Costs
Tyne Fixture Energy Energy Savings/Y Installation Payback
Watts Use/Wafts Use ear Cost Period/Ye
Cost ars
HPSV 200 263 $149.75 - -
LED $149.75 - $0.00 $149.75 $2,700 18.0
Replacem
ent with
Solar
Use of Alternative Technologies
The City currently utilizes alternative technologies. At this time the City of San Bernardino has
not made use of solar power for street lighting. The EDA building is using solar energy to power
the building but it is still on the SCE grid.
/^ To date the City has not installed LED street light fixtures. However the Metrolink parking
structure was constructed with LED fixtures throughout. These have proven to work fine in their
capacity over the last two years. Neighboring jurisdictions also utilize alternative technologies
and they are shown in Table 6.
Table 6: Use of Altern ative Technolo
City Technology Location Funding Source
ource
San Bernardino Solar EDA Building EDA
San Bernardino LED Metrolink Station Grant
Colton LED Various Streets Grant
Rialto Solar Bus Shelters Grant
Given the size of the community and the advancements with these technologies, the City should
take advantage of economies of scale and should look into rebate programs and grants to offset
the costs associated with the technologies in this report.
Conclusion
Implementation of LED lighting systems could occur and would result in long-term cost savings.
Solar systems work best in new installations (e.g.,parks,walkways,parking lots, and buildings)
and are not common in City street applications due to high installation costs. LED installations
will require funding programs to pay contractors for labor and materials. These capital funding
programs can be identified through programs available by SCE or private vendors. Given the
(1r fiscal condition of the City and the cost of alternative technologies, staff should solicit proposals
for alternative lighting.
Updated:2/14/2013 by Linda Sutherland
2296
Recommendation
Authorize city staff to seek a funding plan for use of alternative technologies such as solar and
LED technology including funding from federal, state, local and private sources to achieve cost
savings.
Update
Since the last report in August of 2012,the street light crew has repaired 1,288 street lights and
secured 658 pull boxes. Bids for the CDBG funded street light repair project approved by
Council on January 22, 2013 were opened today. This project is expected to replace 40 street
light poles that were damaged or knocked down in traffic collisions and repair 150 street lights.
A smaller project for simple street light fixture repair is currently advertised to local contractors.
This should repair 200 street lights. An LED street light pilot project is in the design phase and is
expected to be advertised in March. Staff is preparing a large HPSV to LED replacement project
for the next SCE On Bill Financing cycle. On the alternative energy front, Public Works has
advertised a solar powered, LED illuminated bridge lighting project for the Rialto Street Bridge.
Supporting Documents:
C
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Undated:2/14/2013 by Linda Sutherland Packet Pg. 1297
Entered Into Rec, at MCC/CDC Mg: q
1-ndc Rem No: ,c
CC Secretary
p an Bernardino
Table 1: LS-1 Edison Owned-Flat Rate JI
No.of Source Yearly Energy Yearly Yearly Total Yearly
Lamos Cost est. Maintenance Maintenance Cost
est Cost est. Cost er Light
6,500 HPSV $268,689 $726,457 $111.76 $995,146
Table 2: LS-2 and LS-3 San Bernardino City Owned and Maintained
No.of Source Yearly Energy Yearly Yearly Total Yearly
Lamps Cost est. Maintenance Maintenance Cost
(est.) Cost est. Cost per Light
7,500 HPSV $478,057 $726,695 $96.89 $1,204,752
Table 3: Cost per Capita
Ex ense Total Cost FY 11/12 Cost Per Capita
(Approximatel (Approximate)
Electricity $786,746 $3.69
Operations and $1,453,152 $6.82
Maintenance
Table 4: LED System Costs
e fixture Watts new Use/ ner Use avin s/Year nstallation Paybac k
Watts Cost Cost Period/Years
PSV Bulb 200 263 $149.75
7 38.15 S111.60 6.4
ED 67 S711.00
eplacement
Table 5: Solar System
e ixture Watts ner ner Use avin s/Year nstallation Payback
se/Watts ost ost Period/Years
PSV 00 63 149.75
ED 149.75 0.00 5 149.75 2,700 18.0
Replacement
with Solar
Table 6:Use of Alternative Technology
Oty Technoloey Location Fundin Source
San Bernardino Solar EDA Building EDA
San Bernardino LED Metrolink Station Grant
Colton LED Various Streets Grant
Rialto Solar Bus Shelters Grant
Entered Into Rec, at MCCICDC Ng: q
)Y: �.
!;em No:
Appendix 'yVCDC Secretary
r San Bernardino
Table 1: LS-1 Edison Owned-Flat Rate
No.of Source Yearly Energy Yearly Yearly Total Yearly
Lamps Cost est. Maintenance Maintenance Cost
Lest.) Cost lest.) Cost per Light
6,500 HPSV $268,689 $726,457 $111.76 $995,146
Table 2: LS-2 and LS-3 San Bernardino City Owned and Maintained
No. of Source Yearly nergy Yearly Yearly Total Yearly
Lamps Cost est. Maintenance Maintenance Cost
(est.) Cost lest.) Cost per Light
7,500 HPSV $478,057 $726,695 $96.89 $1,204,752
Table 3: Cost per Capita
Expense Total Cost FY 11/12 Cost Per Capita
(Approximate) (Approximate)
Electricity $786,746 $3.69
Operations and $1,453,152 $6.82
Maintenance
Table 4: LED System Costs
Type Fixture Watts Energy Use/ F38.15 avin s/Year Installation a back
Watts Cost Period/Years
HPSV Bulb 00 63 - -
7 111.60 6.4
ED 67 711.00
eplacement
Table 5: Solar System
Type Fixture Watts Energy rnese avin s/Year nstallation aback
se/Watts ost eriod/Years
PSV 00 63 ED 149.75 149.75 $2,700 18.0
Replacement
with Solar
i
Table 6: Use of Alternative Technology
City Technology Location Funding Source
San Bernardino Solar EDA Building EDA
San Bernardino LED Metrolink Station Grant
Colton LED Various Streets Grant
Rialto Solar Bus Shelters Grant