Stettler Town council has voted to accept a buyout of the community’s streetlight network, opting for an “invested” model with ATCO Electric.
The offer approved by council on Dec. 16 will see ATCO Electric buyout the Town of Stettler’s streetlight system for $568,386.93.
The decision moves away from a “non-invested” system that has become financially unpredictable due to the increasing number of streetlight bulb failures.
Under the current “non-invested” system, the town paid lower rates to ATCO, but was responsible for the cost of repairs whenever a light failed.
The move shifts the responsibility of all future streetlight repairs & LED conversions to ATCO.
Council also heard that high-pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs have been phased out, with each streetlight failure requiring an LED replacement costing upwards of $800-$1,200 a bulb.
With roughly 100 bulbs burning out annually, the town projects about $460,000 in replacement costs over the next five years alone.
The council report noted 778 lights in Stettler remain on the non-invested rate, while 337 of those have already been converted to LED.
Under the invested model, Stettler’s annual streetlight costs would rise to $481,398.96, from the current $420,415.72.
Administration explained the buyout funds would offset the town’s increased operating costs for about 9.5 years.
It was noted if the town waited to convert, the buyout offer from ATCO could be significantly reduced or withdrawn completely.
Council will be presented with a final conversion cost proposal in the new year ahead of the LED transition.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
