Tempe to Install 4,000 New Energy-Efficient Streetlights

Tempe this summer will begin installing 4,000 LED streetlights in neighborhoods throughout the city, replacing high-pressure sodium lights with the new energy-efficient fixtures. Residents are invited to an open house to learn more about the street lights and see a demonstration:

June 8
6 to 7 p.m.
Tempe History Museum
809 E. Southern Ave.

“As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’re proud to be bringing energy-efficient streetlights to all Tempe neighborhoods,” said Mayor Mark Mitchell. “These new LED lights will save money, while reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.”

By converting 4,000 high-pressure sodium lights to LED, Tempe expects to realize the following:

• approximately $80,000  savings in energy costs each year;
• reduced maintenance costs of approximately 90 percent;
• reduced energy use of 1,844,512 kwh annually; and
• reduced carbon emissions of 1,296 metric tons each year – equivalent to removing 274 cars from the road.

The LED conversion will begin in July and take place over the next four years, adding to approximately 2,000 energy-efficient induction lights installed in Tempe neighborhoods between 2009 and 2014. When the LED installation is complete, all residential areas in Tempe will have energy-efficient streetlights.

Unlike traditional high-pressure sodium lamps or mercury-vapor lamps, LED lights are free of toxic chemicals like mercury.  They have an approximate life of almost 100,000 hours, well beyond the life of the high-pressure sodium lamps they will replace.

The new energy-efficient lights, both LED and induction, produce a crisper, white light compared to the yellow cast of traditional sodium lights, providing greater visibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. The new lights are compliant with International Dark Sky Association guidelines, as the fixtures direct light downward, eliminating most of the uplight. They have about half the wattage of the existing lights and produce less reflective glare.

For more information or to provide feedback on the LED lights, visit www.tempe.gov/LEDstreetlights.