The City of Foster City is turning a “bright” idea into some “green” by retrofitting 260 traditional high pressure sodium streetlights to energy efficient Light Emitting Diode, LED, lights. The pilot program will reduce the City’s maintenance and utility bills while also protecting the environment by conserving energy.

This pilot project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the Federal Economic Stimulus program. Foster City was awarded $157,426 of these grant funds for the LED streetlight pilot project. The City’s electricity provider, PG&E, also offers additional rebates that offset the cost of the retrofit. Using this combination of the grant funding and rebates, Foster City can retrofit 260 streetlights at no cost to the City. The LED streetlight pilot area includes non-residential streets, specifically Third Avenue and Foster City Boulevard within the Vintage Park Area. See map below.

Compared to traditional high pressure sodium streetlights, LED streetlights offer a longer life, up to 50% less energy consumption, reduced maintenance costs and a higher quality of light that improves color visibility. The LED lights to be used are also made from non-toxic material and can be recycled. The City of Foster City has been successfully using LED lights in the City’s traffic signals since 1996.

The project contractor, Cal West, is expected to begin the retrofits on February 10, 2011 and will be complete within one week. The results of the pilot, including cost savings and performance, will be monitored to evaluate the feasibility of citywide LED streetlight retrofits.

For more information please contact Alan Shu, Public Works Department at 650-286-3271.