PRESS ADVISORY

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Sunday, March 27, 2011                                                                                                                  

CITY TO BEGIN ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING RETROFITS ON THE GEARY BOULEVARD UNDERPASS

New lighting fixtures installation is part of SFPUC’s Energy Efficiency Program

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin retrofitting the Geary Boulevard Underpass with new, energy efficient lighting as part of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) ongoing Energy Efficiency programs throughout the City.  The new lights will be brighter, last three times longer and consume less energy than the existing lights.

DPW will be replacing 348 surface mounted fluorescent lighting fixtures with more efficient lamps that have a life expectancy of over 36,000 hours and electronic instant-start capabilities for optimal performance.  The project is estimated to save 261,279 kilowatt hours per year. Work hours for the five-week project are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm daily. Traffic will be impacted during these hours with the closure of one lane in each direction. 

This project is just the latest SFPUC energy efficiency initiative that will save the City money and electricity. Over the past eight years, the energy efficiency division at the SFPUC has systematically retrofitted and upgraded the City’s municipal facilities. The agency has reduced energy consumption; lowered greenhouse gas emissions and saved money from lower electricity and natural gas costs.  Over the past eight years, the Energy Efficiency Division has saved the City a total of 36,000 megawatt hours per year.

WHO:             Department of Public Works, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

WHAT:            Installation of new energy efficient lighting fixtures and lamps

WHEN:            Project begins Monday, March 28 

                        Work hours—Monday to Friday 9-3 pm daily for five weeks

WHERE:         Geary Boulevard Underpass, between Collins and Lyon Streets       

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