As a result of their energy efficiency, low operating cost, and reduced maintenance, LED lights are gaining popularity across the country. This is especially true with public street lighting. LED lights are compliant with national light standards that reduce the light pollution or “city glow” that is an unintended effect of older, electricity guzzling high-pressure sodium streetlights. Lakewood is a past and current recipient of the NOPEC Energized Community Grant Award which can be used to fund energy efficient improvements to the City’s infrastructure. The award has been used in part to fund a program to replace the city’s outdated high pressure sodium streetlights on the city’s major corridors. The new fixtures have been successful in reducing the city’s energy costs and light pollution and increasing roadway visibility, which leads to safer streets. Since the City began its program in 2019 almost 1,000 streetlights have been replaced, amounting to an annual energy savings of $45,000 and a decrease in energy consumption of 14%. The City will continue the streetlight conversion process utilizing the $197,322 in 2020 NOPEC grant funds from 2020, benefiting residents and businesses by reducing the City’s energy consumption, saving taxpayer dollars, and increasing safety. Photo provided by First Energy 2019
