Alabama Power Company is delivering in a big way for Montgomery residents, saving taxpayers’ money while also increasing public safety and environmental friendliness.
This week, Alabama Power will begin a project to upgrade its 22,462 streetlights in Alabama’s capital city to energy-efficient LED systems.
The company last February agreed to transition the city’s streetlights from mercury vapor, metal halide and high-pressure sodium bulbs into new LED lights.
In fact, city officials project savings of $600,000 over the next five years alone from this upgrade. The project encompasses the entire city and should be completed in approximately nine months.
“Today, we are making good on our promise to build a brighter future in the Capital of Dreams,” Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said in a statement.
“While saving taxpayer dollars and reducing energy consumption, this project will ensure Montgomery stays on the cutting edge of technology and infrastructure,” the mayor outlined. “Not only does it complement the overhaul on Court Street and those coming soon on Fairview and Zelda, but it is essential to leveraging technology to drive economic growth and development in the River Region.”
LED bulbs burn brighter and illuminate a larger area. City officials say that fewer dark spots on the road will make for safer neighborhoods and roadways in Montgomery. The lights also come with the ability to direct the light and shield it, allowing the city to do its part to decrease light pollution by reducing light spill and glare. Additionally, 95% of the energy used by an LED bulb goes to emitting light.
Alabama Power crews on Monday began installing the new lights in west Montgomery on Reese Ferry Road and north Montgomery along Wares Ferry Road. From there, crews will fan out counterclockwise to neighborhoods throughout the capital city.
Editor’s note:
This article was updated to more accurately reflect the conditions involved in the exchange of services.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
