Photo of The Newport Bridge where the energy efficiency project was just completed
We have been part of many large scale initiatives in the public sector but It’s not every day that one of our projects is also featured on our State’s quarter. We are proud to have been part of it-Michael Lemoi, Energy Source LLC President
(PRWEB) November 05, 2014
Newport, Rhode Island: The Claiborne Pell Bridge, known in common parlance at The Newport Bridge, has lit the night sky across the east side of Narragansett Bay since the late 1960’s. The iconic bridge recently marked another significant chapter in its rich history with the completion of a massive retro-fit of its antiquated lighting systems with state of the art, high efficiency LED lighting. The large scale project was completed by a leading Energy Efficiency firm also located in Rhode Island, Energy Source LLC.
The completion of the project not only enhances the lighting quality for drivers on the bridge and the scenic appeal for Newport residents, tourists and those passing through, but it is also a boon to energy conservation and the operational efficiency of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority which manages the span, saving hundreds of thousands of Kilowatt Hours annually.
Michael Lemoi is the President of Energy Source of Providence Rhode Island and as he does with many municipal and public works projects undertaken by his company, Lemoi took the lead on the Newport Bridge Project working closely with Turnpike and Bridge Authority officials to design, plan and execute the project.
“We were honored to be chosen to partner with the Turnpike and Bridge Authority. As a business headquartered in Rhode Island, it meant a lot to us to bring our energy efficiency technology to such a highly visible, iconic landmark. We have been part of many large scale initiatives in the public sector but it’s not every day that one of our projects is also featured on our State’s quarter. We are proud to have been part of it, we are very pleased with the aesthetics of the finished product and, of course, the energy savings it represents.” Lemoi said.
From a technology view of the project, the first order of business was to remove the inefficient metal halide lighting, which had been in place for decades on the bridge and is still ubiquitous in public infrastructure, with highly efficient LED lighting on both the roadway and the cables. The switch to LED provides several key benefits: Improved lighting aesthetics, brighter, more evenly dispersed light for safer driving and much longer lamp life, requiring less frequent maintenance.
The biggest benefit is the reduction in energy consumption. The project will save 321,000 kilowatt hours each year resulting in $43,000 annually.
The financial benefits of the project were also made very attractive thanks to Utility Rebates available from National Grid. Energy Source leverages its status as National Grid Project Expeditor to secure incentives on behalf of its customers. The combination of incentives and energy savings gives this project a simple payback of just 3.7 years.
About Energy Source:
Energy Source is a turnkey implementer of comprehensive energy savings projects within the Commercial, Industrial, Hospitality, Retail, Education and Municipal sectors. We have been in the industry for over 20 years, and understand the nuances of delivering savings to our customers. Energy Source works closely with our clients to identify energy conservation opportunities from "broad stroke" identification through actual implementation of projects. Our services also include obtaining all applicable incentives for our clients, this helps to reduce simple paybacks and maximize Return on Investment (ROI’s).
About Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority was created in 1954 by the Rhode Island General Assembly as a body corporate and politic, with powers to construct, acquire, maintain, and operate bridge projects as defined by law. The Authority has no stockholders or equity holders. It is directed by a five member board of directors. The governor directly appoints four out of the five members of the board to four-year terms. The director of the R.I. Department of Transportation is the fifth member of the board ex officio. The five elect a chairman and vice-chairman from their ranks; the treasurer role is fulfilled by the chief financial officer and the executive director serves as secretary.