Cities in Southern California have been replacing their streetlights with LED fixtures to minimize light pollution, enhance public safety and save approximately US$60 million in reduced energy and maintenance costs over a 20-year period. 55,000 Current, powered by GE fixtures will be purchased by The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) for its 11 local jurisdictions.

(Image: Current by GE)

In order to find out the regions suitable for LED lighting, WRCOG has created a demonstration area in the City of Hemet and arranged guided tours with elected officials, public safety personnel and local residents. Light poles in the demonstration area with QR codes revealed survey questions about 12 potential vendor solutions. Based on regional assessment and expert recommendations, Current by GE’s Evolve lights were selected for the project.

According to WRCOG, the Current by GE retrofit will offset the equivalent energy use of 2,000 homes each year. “We’re pleased to have found a solution that makes economic sense while balancing the public safety needs and the reduction of artificial night sky brightness,” said Tyler Masters, WRCOG Program Manager.

Astronomers and scientists from the nearby, world-renowned Palomar Observatory participated in the Hemet demonstration area and were also consulted on artificial night sky brightness. The observatory collects and analyzes data for scientists globally and is home to the Hale 200-inch telescope, one of the largest in the world. Palomar officials applauded the WRCOG streetlight solution for serving public safety and environmental sustainability objectives while reducing sky brightness for astronomy research.

(Image: Current by GE)