ICYMI: Belmont Receives State Funding to Convert Streetlights to LEDs

BELMONT, MA – Gov. Charlie Baker Tuesday announced $11.4 million in state funding to be delegated to cities and towns across Massachusetts as they convert conventional streetlights to LED bulbs.

The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) partnered with the Municipal Light Plant in Belmont to expedite street light conversions. LED streetlights are more energy efficient and longer lasting than standard lights, and converting saves municipalities money on both their electric bills and maintenance.

LEDs offer a number of other advantages as well, including improved visibility, reduced light pollution and the ability to install controls like dimming, remote control and WI-FI. Organizations partnering with DOER will receive streetlights in bulk on behalf of participating cities and towns, reducing the up-front cost of conversion.

"Investing in LED streetlight conversions will lead to reduced energy costs and better road safety for motorists and municipalities across Massachusetts," Gov. Baker said in a statement. "The partnership between the Commonwealth and our regional planning authorities and municipal light plants will help maximize the positive benefits of this grant funding."

Individual consumers may also experience rate decreases, as LED technology can use up to 60 percent less energy than standard lights and reduce demand.

Gov. Baker recently signed an Executive Order outlining his approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change on residents, municipalities and businesses.

"Governor Baker’s Executive Order on climate change strategy emphasizes the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to reducing energy usage and emissions in order to prepare for the effects of climate change across Massachusetts," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton in a statement. "By converting tens of thousands of streetlights from traditional bulbs to highly efficient LEDs, the Commonwealth and our municipal partners will take another important step towards meeting our Global Warming Solutions Act emissions reduction goals."

Image via City of Fremont, CA

Story originally published Dec. 13.