CDD 7’s solar streetlight dream dimmed by unsatisfactory bids

Efforts by Community District 7 to convert streetlights to solar hit a bump in the road Thursday when supervisors rejected all five contractor bids.

Three bidders were eliminated for failure to post bonds.

But supervisors said they were unhappy with the quality of all five bids and plan to rebid the project with clearer specifications.

Facing increases in streetlight bills from SECO Energy, conversion to solar is seen as a way to reduce costs. The district pays a pole rental fee in addition to electric bills.

The total annual cost of over $400,000 is expected to rise again in October.

Chairman Jerry Vicenti described the cost situation with SECO Energy as “a mess” and said it’s difficult to make a decision on the solar conversion without knowing the total cost of pole rental and electricity.

Supervisors plan to attend a May 2 meeting with SECO Energy to seek more information.

They rejected the bids based on aesthetics, quality and the fact that they were not suited to a community with mature trees and shrubbery. The two qualified bidders received low scores from a selection committee.

“It appears they didn’t do a site survey,” said Supervisor Steve Lapp.

Supervisor Darryl Klinko said it would be helpful to include pictures of the existing lights in the request for bids.

Supervisor Judi-ann Rutherford said the bids seemed more suited to new construction than an existing community.

“This is not a parking lot,” she said.

Supervisors have indicated they would not rule out sticking with conventional electricity if needed, especially with advancements such as LED bulbs.