The extensive new lighting project, which is nearing completion, will result in many benefits at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) and Pawnee Valley Medical Associates, said Rex Meek, facilities maintenance director.

“All inside and outside lighting is being changed to LED,” Meek said. “This lighting is very efficient and will save thousands of dollars per year in electricity costs. It is the lighting of the future.”

The project began last September and as of few weeks ago, it was about 95 percent complete. It has entailed the installation of some new electrical wiring and removal of hundreds of fluorescent fixtures.

“This state-of-the-art LED lighting needs very little maintenance,” Meek said. “We will no longer be replacing unreliable fluorescent bulbs and ballasts. This will lower our maintenance costs tremendously.”

Haynes Electric, a local contractor, “provided its expertise and handled all the installation for the project,” Meek said. “Our maintenance team offered advice on the types of fixtures and dimmers to use in all areas. It has been great working with Haynes.”

Because of all the savings, Meek noted, “there will be a very short-term payback time for the cost of the new lighting. This project is great for our hospital and clinic, which in turn, means it is great for our patients and families. You can’t beat saving money, while enjoying more reliability.”

Melanie Urban, PVCH administrator, anticipates the savings will come to approximately $23,000 a year.

“The cost and energy savings will help our hospital and clinic become more efficient for our patients, families and staff,” Urban said. “We appreciate Rex Meek and his colleagues who have been working closely with Haynes Electric to prevent any disruptions in our services. The teamwork has been tremendous.”