Alameda, Calif.- Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) will begin converting in late July over 3,000 of the city’s high-pressure sodium streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs (light-emitting diodes), saving the city an estimated $198,000 per year in electric costs and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
LED streetlights last longer than high pressure sodium lights—about 20 years compared to 5.5 years—thereby significantly reducing maintenance costs. Moreover, LED lights provide much better illumination and color rendition at night, and can be directed to focus light where it is needed, which improves public safety. They also reduce the sky glow—the artificial illumination of the night sky.
AMP’s project to convert Alameda’s streetlights to LEDs supports the city’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent below the 2005 baseline level. The project is not being paid for from ratepayer funds. Instead, AMP will pay for the project with proceeds from the short-term sale of the utility’s renewable energy credits not needed for compliance with the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. The Public Utilities Board stipulated that these proceeds must be used for greenhouse gas reduction projects in Alameda.
The conversion of the streetlights to LEDs is expected to be completed by the fall. Historic streetlights are not included this summer, but will be done next year.
Contact:
Janice Adam
Alameda Municipal Power
Phone: 510.814.6423
Email: adam@alamedamp.com
