BWL installs energy-saving LED
streetlights in downtown Lansing
The Lansing Board of Water & Light has completed installation of energy-efficient LED lights on more than 80 light poles in downtown Lansing.
The LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights are nearly 78 percent more energy efficient than traditional high-pressure sodium streetlights for this type of installation. Because LEDs last up to 14 years, maintenance costs will also be reduced. It’s estimated the BWL will save about $6,000 annually because of lower energy and maintenance costs.
“We are constantly looking for ways to become more energy efficient, which not only saves money but reduces greenhouse gas emissions,” BWL General Manager J. Peter Lark said today. “LEDs are clearly the future of many lighting applications, including streetlights.”
The 84 light poles (with two LEDs fixtures per pole) are on Grand Avenue between Hillsdale and Ottawa Streets, and on portions of Allegan Street.
The street locations (above) were previously lit with 400-watt, high-pressure sodium mast arm lights with ballast. The new LEDs use only 40 watts of electricity.
The BWL, working with the nationally renowned lighting company, OSRAM Sylvania, conducted extensive tests of LED street lighting over the past year. The installation of LEDs in downtown Lansing represents the first widespread use of LED streetlights in the city. Installation was completed in late November.
In addition to energy efficiency and lowered maintenance costs, the LED streetlights reduce “light pollution.” That is accomplished by directional lighting that illuminates only the areas intended, not the night sky above the streetlights.
LEDs are considered superior in illuminating city streets, which in turn enhances the security and safety of pedestrians and motorists.
The existing mast arm lighting was replaced with historic poles and fixtures in keeping with the historic look that city planners have envisioned. However, instead of installing high-pressure sodium lamps and ballast, the fixture utilized an LED kit.
The BWL owns and operates 34,000 streetlights in Greater Lansing. The BWL plans to gradually install more LED streetlights throughout its service territory.
This holiday season, the BWL has given away hundreds of strands of LED holiday lights to its customers, in exchange for strands of old, incandescent holiday lights. In 2008, the BWL co-purchased 5,000 LED holiday lights that now adorn the State of Michigan’s official Christmas tree on the lawn of the state Capitol.
