The first community-wide test of LED streetlights in Minnesota is already producing big energy savings for the city of West St. Paul.
The results could lead to lots of others making the same move.
“Other cities need to pay attention to this,’’ Mayor John Zanmiller said. “This is the way it’s going, and we’re fortunate that we were the test lab.’’
The light-emitting diode bulbs create a brighter and crisper illumination than the yellowish light put out by the high-pressure sodium streetlights widely in use, he said. “You used to see that dull yellow haze. Now it’s a crisp view of the street. When you get a nice snow on the ground, it just illuminates everything.’’
The Xcel Energy test in West St. Paul is the state’s largest installation of its kind and the first community-wide test, involving more than 500 lights.
Xcel is seeing significant energy savings, reduced service calls and approval from residents, who say the brighter lights have made the community safer and more attractive.
The test will continue into next year, when Xcel will make a final report to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
Click here to read the full article by Laurie Blake with the Star Tribune >>
About the Local Government Energy Action Series:
This year-long effort tells the stories of nearly 50 Minnesota municipalities, counties, and schools and the tangible results of their energy-saving efforts to inspire others to take their own actions.
Local Government Energy Action is brought to you by the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resource
