General

The future of LED streetlights looks bright

Streetlights across the OPPD service territory will get a facelift over the next five years. And their new look will mean brighter, longer-lasting fixtures, better efficiency, and monetary savings for the communities they serve.

The streetlight conversion plan came after evaluating three scenarios based on value to customers in terms of environmental impact, customer satisfaction, financial impact and technological advances. It was determined that a five-year conversion to LED in conjunction with lamp replacement would best meet these criteria. Installations are expected to begin late in 2018.

OPPD owns the majority of streetlights in its service territory. The utility has 298 streetlight customers ranging from small towns to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Over many years of collaborating with streetlight customers, they have come to rely on OPPD to provide expertise, not just in streetlight restoration, but also with knowledge of the latest technologies and design concepts.

“We will continue to have their best interests in mind, build upon our community partnerships and explore all of the opportunity and future potential that LED streetlight technology can bring,” said Steve Fanslau, director Customer Service and Government Infrastructure.

A total of 98,744 streetlights cover the roads and highways of the service territory. By converting the streetlights to LED fixtures, the municipalities that contract with OPPD would see a 25-percent reduction in their overall streetlight costs. This is why:

• The lifespan of LED streetlights is four times longer than the current high-pressure sodium fixtures in place for most customers – 15 to 20 years compared to five years.
• Customers will see a 50-percent average reduction in energy usage, which translates to savings for their taxpayers.
• Increased reliability with fewer streetlight outages.
• LED fixtures emit a bright, white light compared to the amber tones of current streetlights. This provides better visibility for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and serves to deter crime.

Beyond cost savings and reliability, when LED lights fail, they dim as opposed to going completely dark.

OPPD expects to see a decrease in streetlight outages once the conversion is complete, which will help reduce maintenance, a large component of the streetlight rate. It will also benefit the environment by reducing waste from materials and fuel.

OPPD has already completed an LED pilot project in neighborhoods across the Omaha metro area. They are also in the process of developing a request for proposals from vendors for the LED streetlight fixtures themselves.

Other next steps involve developing a new rate rider for streetlight customers, which will involve community outreach.