Puslinch Today

The Township of Puslinch, working in partnership with RealTerm Energy, is upgrading its streetlight system to energy-efficient, light-emitting diode (LED) streetlights to reduce energy costs and provide a smarter, environmentally-friendly option. The new lighting system installation begins the week of November 12th and will replace approximately 300 streetlights by November 30th.

Frequently Asked Questions – LED Streetlight Conversion

1. Why is the Township of Puslinch (Township) moving forward with an LED streetlight retrofit?

The Township wants to reduce its energy consumption, maintenance costs and the environmental impact associated with its network of streetlights. By installing LED streetlights, the Township will benefit from significant energy efficiency and cost savings, reduced maintenance, improved lighting quality and greater roadway safety for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

2. What are LED streetlights?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diodes. LED streetlights are energy efficient, virtually maintenance-free, environmentally friendly and last up to 4 times longer than High Pressure Sodium (HPS) streetlights. LED optics are designed to diffuse and distribute the light in a more precise manner than traditional streetlights, reducing glare and ighting only targeted areas.

Unlike most lights currently in use, the raw materials used to construct an LED contain no toxic materials and may be recycled or disposed of in any landfill with no negative environmental impact.

3. Why switch to LED streetlights?

• Energy costs lowered by up to 75%
• Reduced maintenance costs by up to 80%
• Improved visual acuity
• Reduced light pollution
• Environmentally friendly

4. Why now?

Innovations in LED technology and production methods have resulted in dramatically reduced pricing for LED street lights in recent years. LED luminaires are a small component of overall production costs, which for many manufacturers have now stabilized. Given the cost of maintaining an old and expensive lighting system versus the immediate savings, which LED street lighting can provide, the answer is LED.

5. How many streetlights will be replaced with LEDs?

This project will replace approximately 300 streetlights throughout the Township with LED streetlights.

6. How much will the Township save when it upgrades to LED street light fixtures?

The Township expects to save an estimated 160,000 kilowatt-hours of energy per year, equivalent to a 75% reduction, compared to our current consumption. LEDs will also help the Township reduce maintenance costs by up to 80% because LEDs are a solid state technology (no moving parts) and last up to four times longer than the Township’s existing streetlights. The retrofit will also improve the Township’s environmental footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 6.9 metric tonnes annually, equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from 26 passenger vehicles driven for one year.

7. What are the anticipated installation impacts for my neighbourhood?

It is anticipated that residents and business owners will experience only minor impacts as a result of this project. There will be no permanent construction sites, as crews will be mobile during the installation phase. Proper traffic control will be in effect, with clear signage directing motorists around the installation locations.

8. When will the work take place?

Residents will soon start noticing improved lighting along streets and roads. Starting the week of November 12th, installation crews will begin installation and are expected to be complete by November 30th.

9. What wavelength/colour temperature (°K) are the LED lights?

The light colour is a warm white. Glare and other factors were fully considered.

10. How do streetlights turn on/off?

Streetlights are controlled by an individual photo cell which turns the lights on/off based on light levels present, so lights turn on when it gets dark and off when it gets light.

11. How will the old lights be disposed?

All of the old lights will be recycled in an IESO-licensed recycling facility.

12. How do I report a burnt-out streetlight?

Residents should report burnt out streetlights to 519-763-1226 ext. 211 or [email protected]