New lighting in county buildings from grant

[November 03, 2009]  New energy-efficient lights are being installed in the Logan County Courthouse and the Public Safety Complex this week, thanks to a series of grants obtained by county officials. These lights are replacing the old, inefficient lighting that was in place throughout both buildings.

The $29,609 courthouse project is being funded with $19,210 from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and $2,996 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The $16,740 safety complex project includes $9,359 from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and $3,196 from DCEO.

The new lighting at the courthouse is expected to reduce electrical demand by 27.44 kilowatt-hours, while the electrical reduction at the safety complex is projected at 13.37 kwh. The projected annual energy savings at the courthouse is $7,075 and $5,157 at the safety complex.

The new lights are providing noticeably improved lighting quality in both buildings, with enhanced light output and visual comfort. They’re also reducing maintenance costs with bulbs that have to be replaced less frequently than the current bulbs.

"This is another example of ways that the Logan County Board is working hard to save money both for now and in the future," noted board chairman Terry Carlton. "This project will provide Logan County with reduced cost to replace the existing fixtures and lamps and reduced future energy costs. 

"The lighting change is remarkable. In addition, because of the nearly complete payment of the project, the return on investment is almost immediate. We will continue to have projects like this as we move forward in identifying ways to save the county money."

[Text from file received from the Logan County Board]