Tue26Nov2013

Brighter lights on Oakland streets

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LED streetlight conversion continues in Fruitvale District.
 
LED streetlight conversion continues in Fruitvale District ---- 

The City of Oakland is currently converting 30,000 existing High Pressure Sodium cobra head streetlights with Light Emitting Diode (LED) streetlights. Replacement of the existing streetlight fixtures with the new LED fixtures provides a better quality of light that will enhance public safety. In addition, the conversion project saves resources as the new LED technology is more energy efficient and the LED bulbs have a longer lifespan. Oakland is one of first municipalities nationally in the process of converting wide-scale LED lighting.

Installation began in June and to date has converted more than 19,000 streetlights city-wide, including the Fruitvale District.

“These lights are brighter but burn less energy, which means we’re reducing our energy bills and our energy use at the same time, and their much longer lifespan also means we’re reducing our e-waste footprint,” said Mayor Jean Quan. “Everyone who has contributed to this project is helping Oaklanders and making our city proud.”

“We are saving more than 50% of our costs on energy and our maintenance costs are extremely low,” stated Councilmember Gallo. “Most importantly, we will brighten up our streets to assists Oakland in reducing violent crimes, from robberies to shootings.

The LED conversion project provides many benefits to several different audiences, with the primary goal to support public safety with brighter and better lighting, with less glare and fewer ‘dark spots’ between poles. Significant energy savings results in lower power consumption and a healthier environment. LED streetlights require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan (15 years minimum).

Project costs are estimated at $14.8 million including an estimated $2.9 million in incentive rebates from PG&E.