Dearborn Adds Energy-Efficient Lighting to Library Parking Lot

"Let there be light!"

The city of Dearborn unveiled 25 brand new high energy-efficient lights and an electric vehicle charging station during a special “throwing of the switch” ceremony on Friday at the Henry Ford Centennial Library.

The lights were funded by private sponsors through the national Adopt-A-Watt program.

Dearborn Mayor John B. O'Reilly, Jr. said that the effort marks the city's continued move toward more energy efficient and environmentally friendly measures, thus saving money and increasing the city's sustainability.

This is the second project that Adopt-A-Watt has conducted in Dearborn. In 2011, 102 high energy-efficient lights and an electric vehicle charging station were installed in the west Dearborn parking decks, made possible by 32 sponsors.

According to Tom Wither, founder of Adopt-A-Watt, the 2011 project has already prevented more than 117,000 pounds of coal from being burned, and stopped 101 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

Adopt-A-Watt predicts the combined projects will save the city $176,000 in operating costs. During the next 10 years, the program is projected to generate new revenue of $162,000. The new lights are said to last 100,000 hours.

Jay Williams, executive director of the U.S. Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, praised Dearborn and the Adopt-A-Watt program, and read a congratulatory letter from President Obama during Friday's presentation.

"Adopt-A-Watt provides opportunities for businesses to sponsor clean technology and clean energy infrastructure, helping to protect our environment and saving money for taxpayers and consumers," Obama said. "As you launch this program, I congratulate Sen. Carl Levin, Mayor John O'Reilly, and Dearborn Sustainability Coordinator David Norwood on their commitment to this cause."

Norwood said the project is a great benefit to city residents.

"The lights in the library parking lot was not a huge project, but it helps us reach our ongoing goal of being more energy efficient," Norwood said.