BETHEL — After the Town of Bethel held a special meeting to discuss how they will go forward with converting all the street lights from high-pressure sodium bulbs to Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), the town voted four to one to go ahead with the New York Power Authority's (NYPA) proposal.

The board had to choose between New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) or NYPA.

With NYPA, the town will need to purchase all the street lamps from NYSEG for $78,834 and assume the future maintenance of the new LED lights.

The NYPA conversion would cost $184,564, which includes the purchase of the lights and installation. Bethel Supervisor Dan Sturm said the town would bond that amount for 10 years.

During that time, according to Sturm, the lighting districts would not see a significant increase in cost, and after 10 years, when the bond is paid off, residents will see substantial savings.

Sturm said the lighting districts would bear 75 percent of the cost, and the other 25 percent will come from the General Lighting Fund.

With choosing NYPA, this allows the town more design choices and technology upgrades.

The town would be able to determine the best wattage and color temperature for each pole.

In being able to change the wattage power for each lamp, the town projects increased savings to the town.

With NYPA, the town will need to find a vendor that will maintain and repair the lamps as the town will have full responsibility for them.

The town could participate in a multi-municipality maintenance contract with other towns like Thompson, Fallsburg and Tusten, who are in the process of upgrading to LED.

The town can also choose to install a “smart node” on top of the lamp housing that can produce wifi and monitors the light wirelessly.

If the town chose NYSEG, the maintenance would remain with the power company and will not offer any design choices or any “smart” technology.

Furthermore, Sturm said that NYSEG would not commit to a time frame for the conversion.

NYPA has stated that they will start 105 days after the town signs the purchase agreement with NYSEG.

Board Feedback

Bethel Councilwoman Vicky Simpson voted in favor of NYPA said, “No matter where we go, we will be reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

“NYPA proposal offers a more futuristic approach, and I think it's better going into the future.”

Simpson said that during the 105 days between the signing of the purchase agreement with NYSEG, the town would choose the lighting designs.

“I went through this a thousand times, I second that, and I want to go with NYPA,” said Bethel Councilwoman Lillian Hendrickson.

Bethel Councilman Bernie Cohen said that NYPA is “the way to go.”

“I think NYPA offers better design. With NYSEG, it might be two months or two years before they start,” said Cohen.

Sturm said, “We want to be an example for our municipalities and residents to follow. I think the NYPA proposal will allow us to save more money over 20 years as opposed to the 10 years with NYSEG.”

Opposition

Bethel Councilwoman Dawn Ryder thought that the NYSEG proposal was better for the town moving forward because of the low upfront cost.

With NYSEG, the cost of the conversion would have been $12,277.

Another concern that Ryder had was with the potential of technology changing after the bond is paid off.

“Lighting technology is rapidly changing,” said Ryder. “The town is breaking even after 10 years, which will cover the cost of purchasing and installing, but will we need to change the lights again? We will need another conversion?”

Ryder is also concerned that the town is taking over the lighting maintenance during storms, repairs, and accidents.

“We do not have the infrastructure to replace or repair if needed. This still needs to be developed and worked out,” said Ryder.

“I support the NYSEG proposal. I do not think the town should take on the street lighting business,” added Ryder.

Bethel Resident Garrett Gabriel praised Ryder for opposing the board and said the town should not take on a large amount of debt.

“I think the sustainable Bethel Committee might make it unsustainable to live in the town,” said Gabriel.

Sturm said he will be meeting with NYPA officials shortly.