Ann Arbor officials tout latest LED street lighting project, estimate annual savings of $5,600

By Ryan J. Stanton Political Reporter

Posted on Thu, Mar 3, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.

Ann Arbor officials said today a new LED street lighting project is saving the city money and reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions.

The city recently collaborated with DTE Energy to install 58 new LED fixtures in the neighborhood bounded by Hill Street, Packard Street, South Forest Avenue and Wells Street.

The area includes mostly University of Michigan student rental housing. Neighborhood representatives approached the city to discuss ways to improve street light quality.

LED street lights at the corner of Liberty and Division in downtown Ann Arbor on a recent snowy night.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

The new fixtures are expected to cut energy usage by nearly 50 percent and reduce the city’s annual carbon dioxide emissions by 25,000 pounds, city officials said.

Additionally, the lower street light bill from DTE will save the city about $5,600 annually, repaying the city’s investment in four years, officials said.

“This partnership is an excellent example of how new energy efficiency technologies can save municipalities money and benefit the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and other pollution from electricity generation," Andrew Brix, the city’s energy programs manager, said in a press release.

The project was funded in part by DTE's "Your Energy Savings" program and replaced 58 conventional streetlight fixtures. LEDs can last up to 10 years without maintenance.

Ed Henderson, DTE’s manager of community lighting, said DTE is working to encourage its customers to save money and become more energy efficient. He said DTE recognizes it's important to cooperate with the city of Ann Arbor on LED solutions.

Ann Arbor officials said the city has installed more than 1,300 LED streetlights since 2006 and another 500 are planned for this summer.