The first step a homeowner usually takes in making their home more energy efficient is replacing the light bulbs around their house.
The Nevada State Office of Energy (NSOE) is in the process of doing the same thing on a statewide basis, with the help of two grants, by installing new light emitting diode (LED) lights in 4535 street lights and 1,226 traffic signals in cities and counties all over Nevada.
“The new energy efficient LEDs last significantly longer and will save Nevada cities and counties well over a combined $300,000 in annual energy costs,” NSOE Director Stacey Crowley said. “The new lights have a more modern look than the old lights and produce a brighter image that increases safety on city streets and intersections by improving visibility.”
The city of Fallon took advantage of the NSOE's programs by installing LEDs in all of the town's 640 street lights. The new LED fixtures have an approximate lifespan of 15-20 years, compared to only 3-5 years for the old high pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs, saving the city in maintenance costs and approximately $60,000 per year in energy costs.
“This grant has been a blessing for Fallon allowing the city to complete a number of important energy efficient upgrade projects that will reduce the cost of operations,” Fallon City Engineer Jim Souba said. “The funding allowed a large initial capital investment in LED street lights, which otherwise wouldn't have been possible in the current economy.”
Funding came from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), as well as the Energy Efficiency and Community Block Grant (EECBG). Fallon, Ely (35 street lights and 125 traffic signals), Lyon County (71 street lights and two traffic signals), Douglas County (30 street lights and eight street signs), and Washoe RTC (1,156 street lights and 891 traffic signals) also received EECBG money. Carson City (77 street lights), Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission (46 traffic signals), Las Vegas (987 street lights), North Las Vegas (550 street lights), Henderson (686 street lights and 154 traffic signals), and Clark County (79 intersections) received ARRA funds.
The LED fixtures offer improved reflector designs that put more light in the streets where it's needed and less light pollution into the sky than the older lights produced. They are also a different color. The HPS bulbs produce light that is in the orange or yellow color range, while LEDs offer light in the white to blue range. Roughly the same amount of light is being provided, but because it is better focused and a brighter color, the new LEDs appear to produce more total illumination than the bulbs they replaced.
“The city has received a number of compliments on the light quality produced by the new lights,” Souba added. “One Fallon resident, who went for an evening walk after the LED lights were installed, said she was delighted and amazed with the new bright and cheery appearance.”
The Nevada State Office of Energy (NSOE) is in the process of doing the same thing on a statewide basis, with the help of two grants, by installing new light emitting diode (LED) lights in 4535 street lights and 1,226 traffic signals in cities and counties all over Nevada.
“The new energy efficient LEDs last significantly longer and will save Nevada cities and counties well over a combined $300,000 in annual energy costs,” NSOE Director Stacey Crowley said. “The new lights have a more modern look than the old lights and produce a brighter image that increases safety on city streets and intersections by improving visibility.”
The city of Fallon took advantage of the NSOE's programs by installing LEDs in all of the town's 640 street lights. The new LED fixtures have an approximate lifespan of 15-20 years, compared to only 3-5 years for the old high pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs, saving the city in maintenance costs and approximately $60,000 per year in energy costs.
“This grant has been a blessing for Fallon allowing the city to complete a number of important energy efficient upgrade projects that will reduce the cost of operations,” Fallon City Engineer Jim Souba said. “The funding allowed a large initial capital investment in LED street lights, which otherwise wouldn't have been possible in the current economy.”
Funding came from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), as well as the Energy Efficiency and Community Block Grant (EECBG). Fallon, Ely (35 street lights and 125 traffic signals), Lyon County (71 street lights and two traffic signals), Douglas County (30 street lights and eight street signs), and Washoe RTC (1,156 street lights and 891 traffic signals) also received EECBG money. Carson City (77 street lights), Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission (46 traffic signals), Las Vegas (987 street lights), North Las Vegas (550 street lights), Henderson (686 street lights and 154 traffic signals), and Clark County (79 intersections) received ARRA funds.
The LED fixtures offer improved reflector designs that put more light in the streets where it's needed and less light pollution into the sky than the older lights produced. They are also a different color. The HPS bulbs produce light that is in the orange or yellow color range, while LEDs offer light in the white to blue range. Roughly the same amount of light is being provided, but because it is better focused and a brighter color, the new LEDs appear to produce more total illumination than the bulbs they replaced.
“The city has received a number of compliments on the light quality produced by the new lights,” Souba added. “One Fallon resident, who went for an evening walk after the LED lights were installed, said she was delighted and amazed with the new bright and cheery appearance.”
