A U.S. lighting installer Xcel Energy is tackling lighting complaints from residents in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with better designed LED streetlights, reported Leader Telegram.

LED streetlight installations rolled out in U.S. and Europe have often faced backlash and complaints from local residents over harsh glare and lighting pollution.

Xcel Energy reports it has only received four complaints out of the 3,000 LED streetlights it has installed in Eau Claire, two were concerned about the spacing of the lights and the other were unhappy with the lighting spillage in their bedrooms. Still a fairly low rate of complaints compared to some of the articles LEDinside has covered, so their preparation work is worth investigating.

The installer spent two years researching the appropriate light to be installed in the Wisconsin area, and chose LED bulbs that complied with light-pollution standards established by the International Dark-Sky Association. This cut lighting pollution and met the concerns of astronomers that were concerned lighting pollution would make it difficult for them to spot stars and other celestial bodies in the night sky.

In a talk with local astronomers, James Hanke, spokesman for Xcel in Eau Claire presented statistics to back the LED bulbs were no brighter than traditional lights, and photos that clearly showed the new luminaires were not causing more pollution. Although, the luminaire’s blue hue still presented some challenges for astronomers that responded it was easier to filter out red and yellow color temperatures.

Additionally, the installer made an effort to add shields to streetlights where residents complained of glare. Showing if done correctly, LED lighting installations can save energy and meet local residents lighting demands.

Eau Claire is projected to save US $42,000 a year with the newly installed 3,000 LED streetlights. Xcel Energy will be retrofitting in total 30,000 streetlights in the Wisconson region, and has completed a third of lighting installations.