In 2018 the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant (WMLP) completed the retrofit of between 2,850 and 3,100 streetlights with Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures. The streetlight retrofit has eliminated 1,025,959 kilowatt-hours of electricity every year, a reduction that is the equivalent of taking 152 regular-sized passenger vehicles off the road. In addition to the environmental benefits, Wellesley taxpayers save as much as $133,400.
This project was partially funded by a contribution from the Wellesley Board of Selectmen and a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). The Municipal Light Board approved the funding for the remaining amount from the WMLP's available cash.
The specific cost breakdown is:
| Total LED cost | $860,750
|
| Board of Selectmen contribution | $105,000 |
| DOER grant | $193,050 |
| WMLP funding | $562,700 |
These LED streetlights are expected to last an average of 20 years and save Wellesley taxpayers an estimated $2.6 million during that time period.
To minimize light trespass on property, the LED fixtures can be fitted with optional shields to help restrict the angle at which light is cast. These shields are available as needed from the WMLP.