Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - The City of Sioux Falls has partnered with the developers of Lake Lorraine, Friessen Development Inc. and VanBuskirk Companies, to install nine high-efficiency light emitting diodes, or LED, streetlights within the Lake Lorraine development. The new streetlights use only 107 watts each compared to the 250 watts that a traditional High Pressure Sodium, or HPS, streetlight uses.
The new fixtures will use half the energy for the same amount of light. The new streetlights will also be on their own meter, allowing City officials to monitor the power consumption of the new lights and compare to a traditional streetlight. The project will pave the way for additional LED streetlight retrofits and installations.
“Street lighting is a vital piece of our city’s infrastructure, and it represents a significant portion of our electricity consumption,” says Mark Cotter, Director of Public Works. “Investments in LED traffic signals have already saved the City money and cut down on energy usage. Implementing energy-efficient lighting alternatives such as LED streetlights will provide the opportunity for additional reductions in electricity use and cost savings.”
City maintenance workers will spend less time changing LED streetlights. A traditional streetlight will last between four to five years; the new LED lights are rated to last approximately 20 years. LED lights provide high-quality white light, a more consistent distribution of light, and fewer dark spots. Fewer streetlight outages along with increased visibility are vital to pedestrian and vehicle safety.
By installing LED streetlights, the City of Sioux Falls is saving money and energy and increasing safety and the quality of life for Sioux Falls residents.