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LED Streetlight Conversion

LED streetlights are coming to Nanaimo in phases. They're more efficient and longer-lasting than the high-pressure sodium lights they are replacing and will result in significant energy savings for the future. Check out this video to learn more.

LEDLights

The City of Nanaimo has set out to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33% below 2007 levels by the year 2020. The 4134 owned streetlights Hydro consume 2800 mega watt hours of power and cost $300,000 annually.  A study was recently completed that concluded that conversion of our streetlights from High Pressure Sodium (HPS) to Light Emitting Diodes (LED) would ultimately save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The City is converting streetlights to LED over a multiyear program. Each streetlight conversion would cost from $350 to $500.

Public Consultation

An Open House was held at Vancouver Island Conference Centre from 8 to 10 PM on April 25, 2017 to provide the City with feedback from members of the public on this important utility improvement.

Phase 1 of the project was completed in February 2019; the conversion included Bowen Road, Aulds Road, Hammond Bay Road, Terminal Avenue, and Comox Road. 

Following the completion of Phase 1, the City created an online LED Streetlight Survey. While this survey is now closed, your feedback is still appreciated.

LED InfoGraphic

Contact us

Do you have comments or questions? Contact us at engineeringinfo@nanaimo.ca 

 
  • Progress

    UPDATE

    Phases 1-3 of the project has been completed. To date, the majority of Nanaimo's major road network has been converted (~1550 LEDs). 

  • Documents

    Corporate Climate Change Plan

    LED Phase 2: Notice of Completion

    LED Phase 3: Notice of Completion

     

  • Details

    LED lights consume up to 60 percent less power than our existing lights and are expected to last 20 years. Power savings would be $200,000 per year and maintenance costs would be reduced by $25,000 annually.

    The light from our existing fixtures, high pressure sodium lights, is not focused and screens are needed in some cases to prevent light intruding into adjacent dwellings. The lack of uniformity in light results in more street lights being required compared with LED lights.

    Research suggests that the superior acuity of LED lights may lead to traffic safety benefits. It is also thought that LED lights produce less up-light into the night sky.

  • Background
    LED upgrades were not considered a cost effective technology for ornamental and overhead lighting until recently. City staff has been active in apprising new technology and maintaining on-going liaisons with BC-Hydro to determine LED viability in recent years.

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