Melrose Looks to Add Energy-Efficient LED Streetlights

The City of Melrose has proposed a plan which would replace all streetlight lamps with longer-lasting, energy-efficient LED lights. If approved by the Board of Alderman, installation could take place as soon as November.

A change over to LED lighting would create utility and maintenance savings of up to 70 percent. The proposed change would also reduce light pollution, improve the quality of lighting in the city, and reduce carbon emissions, officials say.

Winchester, Woburn, Boston, and many other communities have already made the switch.

Workers have installed six sample streetlight fixtures along Laurel Street. Officials are asking the public to provide feedback regarding the fixtures in order to assist in the decision-making process.

The cost of the project is estimated to be $1.2 million, but the city was recently awarded a Green Community Grant of $225,000. The project is also eligible to receive a $200,000 utility incentive.

The new LED lights are expected to save the city $145,000 each year. The current light fixtures account for seven percent of the city’s annual energy usage.

The lifetime of the LED lights are said to be four times longer than that of the existing 50-watt high pressure sodium streetlights. The new lights would also come with a 10-year warranty.

The proposal is expected to voted upon by the board in August and September.