October 22, 2003—In order to reduce costs, the City Council for Pell City, Alabama, is taking a major step toward energy efficiency through a 10-year energy savings performance contract, awarded to Johnson Controls, Inc.
The contract calls for the installation of 4,700 new radio read water meters throughout the community, upgrade to light emitting diode (LED) traffic signals at 16 intersections, and lighting in 10 city-owned buildings. By making the conversion, the city has been guaranteed savings of more than $4.2 million over the next 10 years. Under an energy savings performance contract, the cost of the project is paid for over a number of years by the energy and operational cost savings the project generates. These savings are guaranteed under the terms of the contract and will be used to pay for the new equipment.
Johnson Controls will install an automatic meter reading (AMR) mobile radio read system, which will allow all city meters to be read by a radio transmitter using one city vehicle and one employee. Through increased accuracy, the meters are expected to generate additional city revenue of more than $500,000 over 10 years.
The use of LED technology in traffic signals can result in significant operational and maintenance savings. The LED signals emit a brighter light, consume almost 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs and can last six to 10 times longer than traditional signals. They also reduce glare and are more visible, particularly at night.
For more information contact Johnson Controls.
