Coquitlam is on track to complete its LED Light Conversion program by the end of 2022.
COQUITLAM, BC, June 16, 2021 – Coquitlam is on track to complete its LED Light Conversion program by the end of 2022, with approximately 2,000 streetlights being converted each year since 2018.
Coquitlam kicked off a five-year, $6.5-million project in 2018 to convert approximately 10,000 streetlights across the city to energy-efficient, light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. To date the City has completed over sixty per cent of the conversions with all old lights being recycled. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/streetlights for details.
Energy and Cost Savings
In addition to an estimated $446,000 each year in energy savings, the lights are anticipated to cost half as much to maintain as the existing lights, as well as requiring fewer service calls because LED lights are more reliable.
The City expects to recoup the cost of the conversion in 14 to 17 years, and save $3.8 million over 20 years, as well as achieve a reduction in GHGs by an estimated 25 to 35 tonnes.
Conversion Details
The project involves converting 3,500 existing cobra-style lights (with arched necks and flat heads) along with approximately 4,900 post-top lights to LED cobra-style fixtures, which focus the light down towards the sidewalk and street, improving safety for motorists and pedestrians while also reducing light pollution.
For the 1,100 decorative post-top lights in Burquitlam, Austin Heights, Maillardville and City Centre, special kits will be used to convert the existing fixtures to LED. These kits are being used strategically in core pedestrian areas to preserve the aesthetic look of the decorative fixtures in those unique areas.
The City’s project does not include about 2,000 high pressure sodium (HPS) streetlights attached to wooden power poles, which are owned and managed by BC Hydro.
For more information about the project, visit www.coquitlam.ca/streetlights or contact Engineering Customer Support at 604-927-3500.
Background
A pilot project in 2016 and 2017 demonstrated the benefits of switching to LED lights, which last up to 20 years – four to five times longer than the existing lights – and consume 57 per cent less energy.
The new lights provide as good, or better, roadway lighting while reducing the amount of light pollution in the sky or spilling onto private property.
This project reflects Coquitlam’s commitment to climate action and to providing good value and cost-efficient services.
Media contact:
Dragana Mitic
Manager of Transportation
City of Coquitlam
604-927-4303
dmitic@coquitlam.ca