LED bulbs are being installed in street lights on main road, with the goal of better lighting and lower electric bills.

LED bulbs (light at left) cast a different glow than the traditional orange cobra-head lights. The new bulbs, which are being installed on main roads, will save money and provide better quality light. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Submitted by the Town of West Hartford 

The Department of Public Work will began changing out nearly 1400 orange-colored high pressure sodium cobra-head street lights on main roads throughout town last week, replacing them with LED lights.

The net cost (after utility rebates) to the Town is about $260,000. Funding for this improvement comes from town’s Capital Improvement Energy Conservation fund that was approved by Town Council last year.

Total energy savings will be about 60 percent or about $75,000 annually in electricity, lower maintenance expense and better quality light. The energy savings will pay back the initial investment in about 3.5 years.

The Town of West Hartford owns its street lights.

“No Parking” signs will be posted in areas where crews will be working, and drivers are asked to kindly avoid parking in these areas.