City Undergoes Next Phase of Efficient Lighting Retrofits to the Geary Boulevard Underpass

PRESS ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: (415) 554-6926

Thursday, September 29, 2011                                               

CITY UNDERGOES NEXT PHASE OF EFFICIENT LIGHTING RETROFITS TO THE GEARY BOULEVARD UNDERPASS

Phase Two of Energy Efficiency Program will Upgrade Wiring and Timer Controls

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Starting October 3rd, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will complete its second phase of efficient lighting retrofits to the Geary Boulevard Underpass.  Work includes the rewiring of light fixtures and the installation of a new Programmable Lighting Controller (PLC), which will integrate electronic instant-start capabilities.  The PLC will cycle lights on and off during low peak times for optimal performance, leading to energy savings and increased lamp life.

Earlier this year in March, DPW replaced 348 surface mounted fluorescent lighting fixtures with efficient lamps that have a life expectancy of over 36,000 hours as part of the first phase.  The project is estimated to save 261,279 kilowatt hours per year.

Work hours for the two-week project are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Traffic will be impacted during these hours with the closure of the outer lanes in each direction. During the PLC installation, the two center lanes will close; however, through traffic will remain in the tunnel in both directions at all times. Electronic flashing arrow boards, signs, and cones will direct traffic. MUNI bus lines will not be impacted.

The new, energy efficient lighting is an implementation of and funded by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) Energy Efficiency Program; which aims to save City millions of kilowatt-hours of electricity through energy conservation and efficiency measures. Over the past decade, the SFPUC has systematically retrofitted and upgraded City’s municipal facilities saving 40,000 megawatt hours per year (enough electricity to power approximately 5,000 homes for an entire year).

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

WHAT:           Rewiring of new energy efficient lighting fixtures & installation of new timers

WHEN:           Project begins Monday, October 3rd with completion the week of October 17th

                        Work hours—Monday to Friday 9-3 pm; excluding holidays

WHERE:        Geary Boulevard Underpass, between Collins and Lyon Streets