BWL ushers in bright future with energy-saving LED streetlights
Energy-efficient streetlights that reduce energy and maintenance costs now light the way in portions of downtown Lansing, the Lansing Board of Water & Light announced today.
The LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights on more than 80 light poles 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. In energy costs alone, the BWL estimates a savings of more than $10,000 a year.
“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.”
Working with the nationally renowned lighting company, OSRAM Sylvania, the BWL conducted extensive tests of LED street lighting throughout 2009. The installation of LEDs in downtown Lansing represents the first widespread use of LED streetlights in the city. Installation was completed in late November.
A spokesman for OSRAM Sylvania praised the BWL’s leadership in energy efficiency. “The Lansing Board of Water and Light shares our commitment to green technology,” said Jeff TeRoller, OSRAM SYLVANIA. “This project was the perfect opportunity to realize our vision. Working together, we delivered the Sylvania Post Top LED street lighting system, a highly energy-efficient retrofit solution, without sacrificing performance, safety or savings.
“The Sylvania LED street lighting design also preserved the architectural integrity of the historic Lansing community,” TeRoller said.
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.
Previously, the light poles used 400-watt, high-pressure sodium mast arm lights with ballast. The new LEDs use only 40 watts of electricity.
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.
