New LED Street Lights Installed In Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — With an eye toward energy savings and embracing green technology, the New York Power Authority has completed the installation of energy-saving LED street lights in Southampton Town.

According to a release from Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, the energy efficiency project was part of Smart Street Lighting NY, a statewide program unveiled by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo that calls for at least 500,000 streetlights throughout the state to be replaced with light-emitting diode technology by 2025.

The streetlight upgrade and replacement project will save Southampton taxpayers nearly $269,000 in annual energy and maintenance costs while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 550 tons a year—the equivalent of taking more than 100 cars off the road, town officials said.

“The Power Authority is coordinating with municipalities across the state to implement Governor Cuomo’s Smart Street Lighting NY program and it should be applauded that Southampton was one of the first towns in the state to embrace this impactful initiative,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “With the LED lighting installation now complete, Southampton can enjoy all the benefits of the new lighting and the energy and maintenance cost savings that accompany them.”

“The new LED lights program shines a light on our efforts in the Town of Southampton to become a more sustainable community,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman. “I want to thank our Parks Director Kristen Doulos for her leadership in this effort.”

The $1.9 million lighting upgrade included the replacement of nearly 2,500 SMART streetlights and nearly 300 additional parking lot and decorative fixtures throughout the town, town officials said.

NYPA also increased the number of streetlights on a 1.3-mile section of Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton, increasing safety on a stretch of road that has high traffic from cars and pedestrians, especially in the summer months, Schneiderman said.

The town utilized funds awarded under the DASNY-SAM grant and secured by New York State Senator Ken LaValle and New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele, with an eye toward traffic safety improvements in the hamlet.

LaValle added: “I am pleased that the installation of energy-saving LED street lighting in Bridgehampton has been completed. The new streetlights offer greater pedestrian safety, are environmental friendly and operate at less taxpayer cost, while continuing to maintain the character of Bridgehampton.”

“It is gratifying to see the Town of Southampton complete this energy efficient street lighting project," Thiele said. "Ultimately, the installation of these LED lights will provide a sustainable means of enhancing public safety, protecting the environment, and saving taxpayer dollars.”

Philips Lighting, the supplier of Southampton’s new LED streetlights, has agreed to a 10-year service contract for software and data support with the town; Philips is a strategic partner of NYPA’s in the implementation of Smart Street Lighting NY, town officials said.

Patch file photo.