What is an LED?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. Traditional lighting sources produce light through a filament that eventually burns out. LEDs produce light when electrons move through a semi-conductor.
Conversion to LED Street Lighting
In December 2010, the Street Lighting Division began converting the 18,000 mercury vapor lamps located throughout the City to LED. Every neighborhood will have LED lighting by the end of 2011.
This conversion program is the first of many steps the Street Lighting Division will take to incorporate LED lighting into the streetscape. Street Lighting will continue to work with manufacturers to develop solutions that allow the use of LED lamps while maintaining the traditional appearance of the light.
Benefits of LED Street Lighting
Significant decrease in energy use and carbon emissions: LED lamps offer 50 to 80 percent energy savings.
Cost savings: The LED lamps in use are designed to last over 12 years without any maintenance costs. Additionally, NSTAR has established a rebate program for every LED lamp installed. When the conversion is complete, the City will save over $1.5 million annually.
Minimization of light trespass and light pollution: Accomplished through the "aiming" of LED fixtures.
Even distribution of light: Traditional light sources typically provide too much light in the area directly under the pole to ensure that the outer areas surrounding the pole are well lit. Light from each LED can be guided with secondary optics to spread the light more evenly.
Enhanced visibility: LED fixtures provide better color rending, allowing colors to seem more natural.
- Long life and high reliability.
