SEF grant helps Pennsylvania Town Save Money and Electricity using LED Traffic Signals

SEF grant helps Pennsylvania Town Save Money and Electricity using LED Traffic Signals

2006-02-17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2006

Contact:
Melissa A. Hamilton
Sustainable Energy Fund
(610) 264-4440 x 16
mhamilton@TheSEF.org

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUND IS REDUCING ENERGY COSTS – ONE LED AT A TIME

The End of the Light Bulb as We Know It?
$25,000 Grant from The Sustainable Energy Fund Helps Hampden Township Save Money and Electricity using LEDs

(Allentown, PA) – A $25,000 grant from The Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) of Central Eastern Pennsylvania and some innovative lighting technology are enabling Hampden Township in Pennsylvania to reduce its electricity usage by 90 percent – and just may be helping to render the ordinary light bulb a thing of the past.

Funding from The Sustainable Energy Fund allowed Hampden Township (Cumberland County) to replace ordinary light bulbs in traffic signals with LED (light-emitting diode) modules. LED technology uses only 10 percent of the electricity required for traditional, incandescent light bulbs – offering a major reduction in energy consumption, as well as significant cost-savings for the township and its nearly 25,000 residents. LED conversion of traffic signals at 20 intersections in Hampden was completed in late January, 2006, for a projected, net cost-savings of approximately $14,000 per year .

Because LED modules have a guaranteed life expectancy of at least five years – and can often last as long as ten years – they also eliminate the need for manpower and related costs for manually changing light bulbs. LEDs produce light using a semi-conductor, or “chip,” and can provide an average of 100,000 hours of illumination as compared to only 8,000 hours for an incandescent bulb.

“This project was a natural fit with The SEF’s mission of promoting renewable, clean energy technologies and energy conservation,” explains Dr. Rex A. D’Agostino, President and Executive Director of The SEF. “Projects like these illustrate how municipalities throughout the Commonwealth and the country can make a huge difference in reducing energy consumption and costs, one LED at a time. The SEF is delighted to contribute to the growth of these technologies through investment in innovation.”

The Hampden project is another demonstration of The SEF’s record of success in leading LED conversions for municipalities of all sizes throughout Pennsylvania . SEF funding has enabled the borough of Danville (Montour County) , the cities of Harrisburg (Cumberland) and Lancaster (Lancaster) , and the West Branch Council of Governments in Lycoming County to convert traffic signals to LED.

And last November, the town of Bethlehem (Lehigh County) announced plans for a major retrofitting of their traffic lights with LEDs, another initiative being supported by The SEF.

“Municipalities and consumers alike are looking for economical, environmentally smart solutions to ease our mounting energy crisis,” says Dr. D’Agostino. “ LEDs offer a simple and tremendously cost-effective solution , and we’re proud to be leading the way in LED conversion projects that will benefit Pennsylvanians.”

On behalf of the Hampden Township Board of Commissioners, Michael H. Gossert, Township Manager, adds: “This project was ideal because the Township is constantly evaluating ways to provide better service to residents at no additional cost. We are pleased that The SEF provided the financial assistance needed to complete the project. The maintenance and electrical cost-savings to our residents will be realized for many years to come.”

Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., The Sustainable Energy Fund of Central Eastern Pennsylvania is a non-profit, private organization dedicated to the use of renewable energy, clean energy technologies, energy conservation, and education. Founded in 1999 by the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission, The SEF promotes, develops and invests in clean energy initiatives to benefit residential, commercial, institutional and industrial customers within the PPL energy service territory and beyond.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS – Interview Opportunity:
Dr. Rex D’Agostino and other SEF experts are available for interviewfor feature stories about renewable energy and conservation; economic development using renewable energy sources; emerging clean energy technologies and innovations; and the use of LEDs throughout Pennsylvania. To arrange an interview, contact Melissa Hamilton at The SEF, 610.264.4440, x16.