City of Oneonta Now Switching All Street Lights to LED

The City of Oneonta completed its purchase of the existing street lights throughout the City from NYSEG in April 2020 and a project is now underway to replace all existing high-pressure sodium (HPS) street light fixtures with new light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures.

The replacement project is expected to be complete by the end of this summer. Work is being done by the City’s contractor, Weydman Electric, using two-person crews with a bucket truck. A single fixture can typically be replaced in under ten minutes. Traffic disruption will be minimal. Work has begun in the 5th Ward and will progress throughout the City.

LED lighting uses less energy and is longer lasting than HPS. In addition to replacing fixtures, a “smart” control node will be installed with each fixture, allowing the City to remotely monitor and control its street lighting system. Ultimately, this means fewer outages, timely repairs, and more reliable street lighting throughout the City.
The City estimates it will realize annual savings of more than $130,000 on energy and maintenance costs. The City has financed this project through the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and expects to see a positive cash flow beginning as soon the project is complete. NYPA, with its consultant, Guth DeConzo, has designed the street lighting upgrades and is managing the implementation of this project.