Black Hills Energy Lights-Up Pueblo with LED's

Black Hills Energy, in partnership with the City of Pueblo and Colorado State University - Pueblo, has installed nearly 20 LED lights in Pueblo, Colo. to monitor energy efficiency over a period of two years.

This innovative pilot program is designed to determine savings or efficiency measures associated with energy costs, reduced emissions and quality of lighting for city roadways.

Currently, the City is spending on average $1.7 million a year for street lighting. In an effort to provide a more cost efficient and higher quality service, the City is working with Black Hills Energy to reduce street lighting cost. The pilot project, with installations on Bonforte Boulevard, the Colorado State University - Pueblo campus and within Pueblo West, will measure light output and energy savings.

We welcome your comments. To supply feedback, please e-mail ledstreetlights@pueblo.us. For additional information regarding this initiative, please visit www.pueblo.us.

Resources:

• What Are LED's?

LED is the acronym for Light Emitting Diode. This technology has been around since the 1960's, but has not become part of mainstream technology until recently. The cost of installation had been prohibitive and even today the upfront cost is substantial but once the installation is in place, the equipment uses less than half the energy of standard fixtures; therefore costing less to run. The bulbs also last five-times longer than conventional bulbs, consequently, reducing the cost of maintenance. LED's are also advantageous as street lighting as the bulb produces a directional light thereby allowing more control over what is "lit" (the roadway) or just as important "not lit" (the night sky).

• Where Are We Now?

The City has used LED traffic signal heads for almost ten years and has realized a savings of approximately 70% in energy costs as compared to the previously used incandescent fixtures. The traffic signal bulb replacement program has proven to be cost efficient as well as providing a significantly brighter traffic signal. The program has been very successful and motorists are pleased with the results. Currently, the City of Pueblo and Black Hills Energy are testing the technology and would like citizen participation in the form of comments, questions or concerns regarding the use of LED's.

• Bonforte Boulevard Project Location:

From Highway 47 south to MacAlester Rd.

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