League City could save nearly $13 million over the next 20 years by assuming responsibility for maintaining the city’s street lights.
What happened
League City City Council approved acquiring the city’s street lights to the city at its March 25 meeting—a move city officials hope will reduce costs, improve public safety and reduce service response times. The city needed to approve acquiring the street lights before it can buy them.
Texas-New Mexico Power operates 5,546 of the city’s streetlights at a cost of $14.12, per 100 watt light bulb, according to a staff presentation.
If TNMP transitions those lights to LED lights, it would cost the city $29.32 for each 35 watt LED light bulb, according to the staff presentation.
If the city purchases those lights, it will only cost the city $3.75 per 35 watt LED bulb, city documents show.
It’s cheaper for the city to own and operate its own lighting, because then the city only has to pay for the energy consumed, city staff said.
Quote of note
“This is an opportunity for the city to save a good bit of money on streetlights as well as ensure we have increased safety by having a brighter community at night,” council member Chad Tressler said. “Frankly the only drawback I see is that I wish we had found this five years ago.”
Next steps
The ordinance became effective March 25, when it was passed.
