LED Streetlights
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Atlantic City Electric conducting this pilot program?
We want to see if the LED streetlights perform as advertised; will they save energy and save money for our customers?
2. Why LEDs? Aren’t they just for Christmas tree lights?
LED technology is evolving very rapidly. Several companies are now making LED streetlights, and there are several different models.
We are committed to our Smart Grid project, which means keeping ahead of the technology curve, and making our system as “smart” as possible by installing new, high-tech equipment when we are convinced that each item offers proven benefits to the customer, our electric system, and of course, the environment.
3. What benefits will LED streetlights give the customers? According to the manufacturers, these lights will use far less electricity than the lights commonly used up until now. And that means they will cost less to operate. During this pilot, our engineers will be monitoring each of the LED lights to measure not only the energy they use, but also their reliability and the quality and consistency of the light they provide.
4. What about environmental benefits?
If the lights save as much energy as advertised, right there, that’s a benefit. Less electricity generated equates to less Green House Gas released to the environment. Compared to traditional high-pressure sodium light bulbs, LED street lights are about 50 percent more energy-efficient and last up to three times longer than other types of streetlights. They are also very durable, with no fragile components, and are resistant to heat, cold, and shock. And since their illumination is directional, they would reduce the “light pollution” of our night skies. In addition, disposing of used LED lights does not pose significant environmental issues.
5. When will you begin installing these lights in my neighborhood?
The purpose of the pilot is to decide whether installing the LED lights will provide sufficient benefits to justify the cost of switching. We need to see if they are cost-effective, reliable and use a lot less energy than the lights we have now.
We also want to know whether or not our customers like them. And if they do like them, which type do they prefer?
The lights will be installed in four New Jersey communities: Hammonton, Northfield, Ocean City and Wenonah Boro. In each location, we plan to install 10 LED streetlights; all 10 are the same type, with 5 each supplied by two different manufacturers.
6. How long will the pilot last?
The pilot will run for about six months; by the end fourth quarter 2010, we expect to have all the information we need to make a decision about whether or not to invest in these lights, and whether they will work for all types of neighborhoods. We also hope for lots of feedback from our customers. It is very important to know what customers think of the new lights.
7. How can customers express their opinion of the LED streetlights?
Send us an e-mail to LED@atlanticcityelectric.com.
Customers can also send their comments in a text message. The number for texting is on the “LED Streetlight Pilot” street signs at each site where the LED streetlights will be installed. That way, we can tell which lights the customer is texting about, since two different models will be installed at the various locations.
8. If the lights are not installed in my neighborhood, where can I see them?
We will post all the LED streetlight pilot locations as soon as the complete list is available.
