Deco Lighting has issued a strongly worded press released warning end-users to research and carefully select a legitimate, reputable manufacturer for new streetlights they plan to purchase with ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009) funds received from U.S. government stimulus programs.
Enacted by the U.S. Congress in February 2009, the total Stimulus Recovery Act measures are worth $787 billion, with $47 billion allocated for infrastructure, including public building, transportation, and repair, and $40 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
“U.S. Cities receiving ARRA funds can be fooled by induction lighting companies who use Chinese-made Induction lamps and generators they private label from unreliable overseas suppliers, claim to be ‘Buy American’ compliant and market their streetlights at very low prices to capture ARRA-funded projects,” the release stated. “Some U.S. cities have already made the wrong decision. After installation, numerous cases of component failures, misleading warranties, non-compliance with ‘Buy American’ provisions, and induction technology patent infringement have been reported, and are under federal investigation. U.S. city officials are often unaware of these problems when project bids are awarded and the company with the lowest price for new streetlights is selected.”
Sam Sinai, VP of Deco Lighting, told LightNOW: “In this tough economy, contractors often present bids using the lowest price induction streetlights to win the overall project installation. Contractors and city officials need to verify the induction lighting company chosen has a track record of installations in the U.S. with proven Induction technology of 100,000 hour life expectancy. Companies that utilize brand name induction lamps, such as Sylvania. Some of these induction lighting companies are using the same overseas Chinese manufacturer and simply applying their own label. The most important questions responsible city engineers and officials should ask the lighting company is: Who makes your induction lamp & generator? Where do we go to obtain replacement lamps and generators? China?”
Sinai says that for the cities and municipalities that purchase complete streetlights or retrofit kits from these companies selling Chinese induction technology, the risks can be disastrous when problems occur. These companies and their Chinese component suppliers often go out of business, replacement components may not be available, and the limited warranties they offer may not cover parts and labor, he points out. Cities and municipalities can face the real risk of needing complete streetlighting replacement after committing their ARRA funds to purchase low quality streetlights from low-priced, unproven companies.
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