BOSTON – Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) and Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) applauded the announcement that Burlington had been awarded $115,248 from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) grant as part of the Rapid LED Streetlight Conversion Program.
The program encourages communities to make an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient change to LED streetlights by reducing the cost of conversion through grant contributions made possible through the Baker-Polito Administration.
“I am thrilled that our community has been awarded this grant to help convert traditional streetlights to LED technology,” said Senator Cindy Friedman. “Burlington will have the opportunity to take an important step toward meeting our state’s Global Warming Solutions Act emissions reduction goals while also decreasing electric bill costs for residents.”
“This is a great example of the state and municipalities working together to reduce energy costs, address climate change, and make Burlington a safer community to live and to work in,” said Representative Ken Gordon.
LED streetlights are more energy efficient and longer-lasting than other common street lighting technologies; converting saves cities and towns money both on their electric bills and in operations and maintenance. LEDs offer a number of other advantages as well, including improved visibility, reduced light pollution, and the ability to install advanced controls such as dimming, remote control, and Wi-Fi capability.
Massachusetts ratepayers will also see benefits from converting the Commonwealth’s streetlights to LED models, in addition to the direct benefits that cities and towns receive. Streetlights are operational during early morning and late afternoon during the winter months. These are hours of peak electric demand, and high demand for natural gas for both electric generation and home heating during these hours leads to higher energy prices. Converting streetlights to LED technology, which uses up to 60% less energy than standard streetlights, can decrease demand and lead to lower prices.