Seattle City Light installing LEDs in Shoreline streetlamps

From the Office of the City Manager

Beginning September 20, Seattle City Light’s (SCL) contractor, Potelco, will begin installing LED lamps in all of Shoreline’s streetlights, except those on arterial streets. Installation will continue through mid to late October.

LED streetlights use significantly less energy than the high-pressure sodium lamps in use today. LEDs also last longer. Once all 40,000 streetlights are installed across SCL’s service area, the combined energy and maintenance savings will be approximately $2.4 million per year.

Residents will notice a definite difference in lighting between the currently used lights and LEDs. LEDs produce a white light that is comparable to moonlight making it easier to identify colors and smaller objects than the amber glow produced by the high-pressure sodium lamps. LED lights are also Dark Sky friendly, reducing the amount of light pollution in the night sky.

SCL began testing the LEDs in several residential neighborhoods in Seattle in 2010 to determine the best fixtures to use. So far SCL has received very favorable results from follow-up surveys. In fact, 85% of respondents approved of the new lights in their neighborhoods.

Potelco will move west to east in 10-block sections starting at N 145th Street.

To learn more about the program visit the City Light webpage  If you have questions or concerns, contact SCL’s customer service line at 206-684-7056.