Nearly 7,000 new lightbulbs are about to illuminate L+M Hospital

L+M Hospital is refitting every one of its 6,960 lighting fixtures with new energy-saving LED (light-emitting diode) lightbulbs, a huge undertaking that is expected to reduce the hospital’s electricity bills by hundreds of thousands of dollars each year going forward.

The project, which is also good for the environment because the hospital will be using less power, is being paid for thanks to a $643,000 grant from Eversource and an interest-free loan from the Connecticut Hospital Association, according to Bob Palumberi, administrative director of Facilities for L+M and Westerly hospitals.

“The entire project costs approximately $1.6 million, but, thanks to the grant and the interest-free loan, our hospital will begin to see savings very quickly,” Palumberi said. “We’re anticipating savings of approximately $388,000 per year, so the project should pay for itself within about three years.”

Unlike incandescent or traditional light bulbs, LED lights use about 90 percent less power. LED lights also produce less heat, last longer and, according to Palumberi, are often more soothing for people working under those LED lights.

Employees throughout L+M Hospital can expect a visit from the contractor hired to retrofit the light fixtures. The contractor will schedule times to upgrade each light, always mindful to prevent any disruptions in patient care or any other work responsibilities of employees.

New bulbs will be installed into the existing ceiling spaces where lights are already located, so there will be no need for construction work. Old bulbs will be disposed of through an environmentally appropriate method, Palumberi added. Replacement work should be completed by the end of the year.

Palumberi noted that Westerly Hospital previously converted to LED lighting, but he said L+M is the first hospital in the health system to receive a grant and an interest-free loan to undertake such a large retrofit project. “We’re proud to be leading the way on this and demonstrating an ability to both save money and enhance the environment,” he said. “It’s a win-win for L+M and Yale New Haven Health.”