Melrose Begins 6-8 Week LED Streetlight Conversion Project

MELROSE, MA—3,000 city-owned streetlights are set to be replaced within the next six to eight weeks in Melrose.

According to a City Announcement, Melrose is set to become the third city in the Commonwealth to make the move to LED equipment for city streetlights and away from cobra-headed lights. The Board of Alderman approved the $1.4 million proposal in December, with $225,000 in deductions from a state Green Community grant and a $250,000 incentive from national grid.

"In addition to the extended lifecycle and lower replacement costs, LEDs result in reduced light pollution at night and improved and more uniform light quality. Because they use 65% less energy, LEDs help to reduce carbon emissions. LEDs also make colors look brighter and more “true” to natural color. Trees look green instead of brown, a blue car looks blue instead of grey. Due to the improved color rendition things appear brighter and sharper under LEDs which is why police and other safety personnel prefer them," according to the announcement.

According to the City of Boston website, LED lights have a life expectancy of 15 years, compared to 5-6 years of mercury vapor streetlights. In addition, the city of Boston estimates a 60 percent decrease in energy use and carbon emissions from LED lamps.

View the city's announcement here.