Installation of 1,650 New LED Streetlights to Brighten the City of Sylvania

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy's Toledo Edison has initiated a $342,000 project to install 1,650 LED streetlights in Sylvania, Ohio. The new LEDs are expected to save the city almost $77,000 in annual electricity costs, being 50% more efficient than previous lights and lasting up to 20 years compared to 3-5 years for the old lights. The return on investment is estimated at 4.5 years. Improved visibility and reduced crime rates have been observed in areas with similar installations. The project aims to enhance security and cost-efficiency for Sylvania residents and businesses.

Positive

• The installation of 1,650 LED streetlights is expected to save Sylvania nearly $77,000 annually in electricity costs.
• The new LED lights are 50% more efficient and have a longer lifespan of up to 20 years, compared to the 3-5 years for the old lights.
• The return on investment for the project is estimated to be approximately 4.5 years.
• Significant improvements in visibility and security, including a 37% reduction in violent crimes in Toledo's Old South End, have been linked to previous LED installations.
• The project highlights Sylvania's commitment to cost-effective, long-term community investments.

Negative

• The initial cost of the project is $342,000, which may strain city finances until the return on investment is realized.
• The long-term success of the project heavily depends on the longevity and performance of the LED lights.
• Potential risk if projected energy savings are not fully realized, affecting the anticipated cost benefits.

Switch to LEDs estimated to save city nearly $77,000 in electricity costs each year

TOLEDO, Ohio, May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy electric company (NYSE: FE) Toledo Edison recently kicked off the City of Sylvania's $342,000 streetlight conversion project in Lucas County by installing the first of 1,650 LED streetlight fixtures to replace existing lights.

The new LEDs are about 50% more efficient than the previous high-pressure sodium lights and are expected to save the city an estimated $77,000 in energy costs annually. They are also expected to last 15 to 20 years, compared to three to five years for the previous lights. City officials estimate the return on investment will be approximately four and a half years.

Pat Mullin, Acting President of FirstEnergy's Ohio Operations: "Communities such as Sylvania are increasingly focused on investing in cost-effective projects that offer long-term benefits. The LED streetlight initiative is an excellent illustration of this approach. We are excited to witness the positive impact these improvements will have on the city where we live and work with pride."

Significant improvements in visibility and security after LED streetlights were installed have been observed in communities within Toledo Edison's service area, such as the city of Toledo and Perrysburg, as well as in other areas in FirstEnergy's footprint. According to data from the city of Toledo, when LED lights were installed in the Old South End section of the city in 2017, violent crimes went down by 37% the following year.

Sylvania Mayor Craig Stough: "Beyond their cost-saving benefits, LED streetlights play a key role in reducing crime and keeping local communities safe. We are excited to take this next step in our community to showcase what a great place Sylvania is to live, work and visit."

Toledo Edison serves nearly 315,000 customers in northwest Ohio. Follow Toledo Edison on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ToledoEdison or on Facebook at facebook.com/ToledoEdison.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at firstenergycorp.com and on X @FirstEnergyCorp.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the cost of the LED streetlight project in Sylvania?

The cost of the LED streetlight project in Sylvania is $342,000.

How much will Sylvania save annually with the new LED streetlights?

Sylvania is expected to save nearly $77,000 annually with the new LED streetlights.

How efficient are the new LED streetlights compared to the old ones?

The new LED streetlights are about 50% more efficient than the previous high-pressure sodium lights.

How long are the new LED streetlights expected to last?

The new LED streetlights are expected to last between 15 to 20 years.

What is the estimated return on investment for the LED streetlight project in Sylvania?

The estimated return on investment for the project is approximately four and a half years.

What impact have similar LED installations had on crime rates?

In Toledo's Old South End, violent crimes went down by 37% the year after LED lights were installed.