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City braces for blackouts by adding battery backup
Affects 28 intersections
By Oakley Brooks
In anticipation of rolling blackouts this summer, the city council recently approved the installation of battery-powered backup systems for stoplights at all of Saratoga's 28 intersections.
The stoplights will also be re-fitted with energy-efficient light-emitting-diode bulbs.
Public Works Director John Cherbone expects the improvements to be made by contractor Republic Electric within eight weeks, theoretically in time for expected blackouts as summer temperatures strain the state's power system.
Cherbone said he believes Saratoga will be one of the first cities in the area to completely outfit its stoplights with the battery aids. LED bulbs are common in traffic lights throughout the region.
In expressing unanimous support for the improvements, city council members said they are concerned about the public's safety during a blackout.
"Imagine what happens if one of the blackouts happens at 3 o'clock, schools are letting out and kids are at all of these intersections," said Councilman Evan Baker.
City Manager Dave Anderson pointed to several auto accidents that accompanied rolling blackouts this spring as further reason to install the battery backup system.
Public Works Director Cherborne says the battery backup will provide an average of seven hours of power during a blackout. The batteries only allow the lights to stay blinking red while the main power is out.
City council budgeted $119, 685 for the improvements. LED bulbs are expected to save the city $15,000 a year in electricity costs, allowing the city to recover the entire cost of the stoplight upgrades in about 7 1/2 years.
"Given the cost and the safety issues, it just makes a lot of sense," said Mayor John Mehaffey.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
