Better LED lighting expected to turn into savings for RDCK
By Nelson Daily Staff
The financial picture will so be a little brighter for the Regional District of Central Kootenay after the conversion of 104 sodium and mercury vapour-street lights to LED bulbs, a move that will reduce energy consumption and save money.
“The RDCK has finally seen the light — the LED light,” beamed Area G Director Hans Cunningham, who made the original Board motion to pursue LED street lighting in the RDCK.
“This conversion will cut our greenhouse gas emissions and slash roughly 50% in operational costs,” said Cunningham.
Cunningham ‘s backyard, Ymir sees 44 of the more than 100 lights being changed.
Brilliant gets 47 new LED lights while 12 are being changed in South Slocan and 11 in Robson.
None of the new lights will be on the major highways but instead on RDCK streets.
The upgrade is happening through April and May.
Taxpayers in those service areas will eventually see a reduction in the cost to operate those lights and the RDCK will conserve approximately 87,655 kWh per year.
However, the full extent of savings until the lights are operational and FortisBC begins the new billings.
The cost for this initiative was funded through the RDCK’s pooled Community Works funds.
