As we all know that new lights that save energy and lower emissions might be coming soon to a street near you.
Green Mountain Power plans to replace worn-out street lights throughout its service area with energy-efficient, long-lasting LEDs. The LED lights have a life span of more than 25 years, compared to the 5 to 7 years for traditional street lamp bulbs.
LEDs are traditionally used in Christmas tree lights, newer flash lights and basketball scoreboards. They use a different technology from standard incandescent bulbs.
"By reducing the amount of electricity that you use by more than half, it eliminates any environmental effects that will be needed to produce that power," said Dotty Schnure of GMP. "Also, with the lights they'll be replacing, mercury lights, those lights have mercury in them and have very specific disposal issues. With LED, we'll be avoiding all the mercury disposal issues."
GMP submitted the plan to the Vermont Public Service Board. If approved, the lights could be installed as early as March 1.