[2 Minute Read]
When you’re used to the dim yellow lighting emitted by fluorescent and halogen bulbs it can feel like it’s okay because it gets the job done. It isn’t until you see and experience truly good lighting that you wonder how you ever lived without it. The difference looks like day and night, literally!
You can see the incredible transformation in downtown Hickory, a small town in North Carolina located between Charlotte and Asheville at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This quaint town had been using dated bulbs for years, not thinking much of its yellow tinted roads and sidewalks. Until they eventually realized it was time for a switch.
The power company rebate helped subsidize the cost of the project so the city was able to replace more lights then they originally planned on. In total, 90 outdoor bulbs were replaced with a 5 year warranty. The savings are astounding:
SAVINGS
Power to Run Old Lights: 177, 30 kW
Power to Run New LED Lights: 72,967 kW
Total Power Saved: 104,423 kW
Cost to Burn Regular Lights: $15, 965.22
Cost to Burn LED Lights: $6,563.00
Total Cost Savings: $9,402.00
ROI 2.1 Years
Not only is the downtown visibly transformed, but the money and power savings from swapping out these bulbs will continue for years to come. With the rebates, power savings, and reduced maintenance costs, the LED lights will pay for themselves in 2.1 years, but the average LED bulb lasts for almost 14 years!
Hickory is also cutting back on power consumption, using less than half the kW required to power the older bulbs. Most importantly though, a well-lit downtown can deter crime and encourage people to enjoy the space. We all feel safer and happier in a well-lit environment.
LEDs are an investment, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Of course, the more bulbs you replace the more savings you can experience. To find out just how much you could save in your city, warehouse, parking deck, or businesses, check out our free LED Savings Calculator.
