Let There Be Light! Adopt-A-Watt Flips Switch in Royal Oak on Earth Day

The city of Royal Oak flipped a figurative and literal switch on its Adopt-A-Watt program on Monday morning.

The Adopt-A-Watt program, a public-private partnership conceived by Royal Oak businessman Thomas Wither, is a partnership that allows businesses or organizations to sponsor energy-efficient lights at Royal Oak's parking structures. The goal of the program is to save energy and dollars for the community.

"The ultimate winner of this whole thing is the environment," Wither said. "We've come up with 102 energy-efficient lights here today. Our calculations show we're going to save $130,000 in operating costs and eliminate the burning of over 300,000 pounds of coal with these lights over the 10-year estimated life span."

Sponsors for the structure lights include Button's Rent-It, Robert Bruce Photography, Hansons Running Shop, Pizzeria Biga, Royal Oak Patch and several more.

"Basically we sponsored a light because we're concerned about the the safety of the planet for our children," said Lynn Bilski of Gateway Country Day School and Child Care Center.

The Adopt-A-Watt program also donated the Center Street parking structure's first electric vehicle charging station. Devin Scillian, news anchorman for NBC affiliate WDIV-TV, demonstrated recharging with his Chevy Volt.

"I love coming to Royal Oak. We spend lots and lots of time here. Our favorite movie theater and lots of our favorite restaurants are here. It's just a delight to know that's it's a place I can plug-in my car," Scillian said. "I expect nothing less out of Royal Oak. It's a very advanced, forward-thinking community."