Rockford Looks To Replace Nearly 2000 Streetlights With LEDs

Let's see if I have this straight. LED (stands for light-emitting diode) lights are 50% more energy efficient than sodium vapor lights, they last 15-20 years instead of 2-5 years, and they spread their illumination far more evenly than standard streetlights.

What's not to love about them?

Even Though LEDs Are A Great Replacement For Sodium Vapor Lights, Some Still Have Complaints

In 2017, The American Medical Association (AMA) warned that high-intensity LEDs emit unseen blue light that can disturb sleep rhythms. The full report from the AMA found that LEDs possibly increase the risk of serious health conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. The AMA also cautioned that high-intensity LEDs can impair nighttime driving vision.

Two cities, Honolulu and Phoenix, were set to go with high-intensity LED streetlights, but have since gone with either low-intensity LEDs, or a mix that combines high-intensity lights in and around major intersections and high-traffic shopping areas with low-intensity LEDs in around residential areas.

Rockford Is In The Process Of Changing Out Sodium Vapor Lights With LEDs

As part of ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program, the City of Rockford is looking to save money and add better illumination, according to a report at MyStateline.com:

Rockford’s city streets will be getting brighter as the city has begun replacing 1,782 street lights with new LED bulbs.

The initiative is part of ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program, which will replace an additional 10,000 lights.

The new fixtures will produce more light than traditional, sodium-based street lights, which will save the City money on energy.