Phillipston Town Buildings In Line To Get Free LED Light Bulbs

Phillipston Town Buildings In Line To Get Free LED Light Bulbs
Tara Vocino
News Correspondent

PHILLIPSTON— The town will receive $7,400 worth of LED lighting (or more than 400 bulbs) in various town buildings free due to a state grant.

Fire Chief Richard C. Stevens told selectmen on Tuesday, inefficient incandescent bulbs and old-style fluorescent tubes will be replaced with LED technology by the end of this year.

Made possible by the state Department of Energy Resources and Gov. Charles D. Baker’s administration, the energy-saving light bulbs are available free to all state agencies, authorities, public higher education institutions, municipalities and municipal properties.

“The LED lights will be in various town buildings, including Town Hall, the fire and police station, library, annex and on the highways,” Mr. Stevens said. “They’ll be delivered within the next month.”

According to the Department of Energy Resources, bulbs must be delivered no later than Nov. 2, and the lamp installation deadline for agencies, schools and towns is no later than Dec. 4.

“It will greatly reduce electrical savings,” Mr. Stevens said. “However, the free bulbs don’t include disposal of existing bulbs. Since we can’t throw them away in the Dumpster due to mercury, maybe they’d go to a transfer station or a similar facility.”

Mr. Stevens also mentioned that Phillipston residents have the option to install a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector also at no cost.

Residents can call the fire station to be placed on a list and set up an appointment for installation. Ac­cording to the website, batteries are included.

“We can install up to three units per household for a home with a basement and two floors,” Mr. Stevens said. “We’ve installed 11 so far.”

To make an appointment for installation, call 978-249-6392, or email fire@phillipston-ma.gov.

The state is offering the free detectors because of statistics that show that every 40 minutes a fire injury is reported nationwide; and seven times per day, someone dies in a home fire.

Also, selectmen approved Mr. Steven’s recommendations for three promotions in the Fire Department.

Peter Stanley, who was a firefighter/EMT will become the EMS coordinator.

Lt. John Seamon Jr. was promoted to Fire Department captain. C

apt. Larry Bankowski was promoted to deputy chief.

The board approved Trick or Treat hours to be Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.