ERVING — As part of a townwide conversion project, 220 light emitting diode (LED) streetlights will be installed beginning this month through September.
“Not only will the project reduce the town’s energy use, but it will also improve the color and quality of light throughout the town, in addition to providing annual energy cost savings,” Administrative Coordinator Bryan Smith said in a statement.
Dagle Electrical Construction Corp. of Wilmington will be installing the standard street lights, or cobra heads.
The project is funded by Town of Erving and a Rapid LED Streetlight Conversion Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.
According to Smith, the current lights in Erving are high pressure sodium lights, which are “the most common street light technologies across the country.”
Smith said there are drawbacks to the high pressure sodium lights, such as casting a bright orange light that does not have optimal viewing quality and can make it difficult to see color, with a color temperature of about 2,200 Kelvin.
The new LED lights will have a color temperature of a 3,000 Kelvin, creating an even pool of light, and will be “extremely energy efficient (and) have long life spans,” according to Smith.
Other advantages include reduced maintenance costs and reduced energy consumption, resulting in cost savings as well as decreased gas emissions.
Following removal, the high pressure sodium lights will be recycled in accordance with all federal and state environmental guidelines.
“Erving is interested in reducing its energy consumption and maintenance costs associated with street lighting,” Smith stated. “Installing LED street light fixtures will save energy, require less maintenance and will provide citizens with better light quality on streets and roadways.”