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Since adopting a greenhouse gas emission reduction policy in 201…
Strategic lighting
The department is now fine-tuning its plan to maximize energy-saving benefits and extend the life of the new streetlights. With the control system, West Richland can reduce the lights’ energy use by an extra 10% to 20% by adjusting brightness levels. For instance, lights can be programmed to gradually increase and decrease light levels at dusk and dawn, and dim during the night when traffic and pedestrian activity decrease.
“We know the lights will go on and off gradually, and they will not be used at full power,” says Roscoe. While the city won’t dim lights on major arterial streets or at intersections, it will develop a schedule to dim sections of neighborhood streets at different levels during the night — possibly 60% or 70% — with input from residents. “We anticipate most of our energy savings to come from mid-block lights in residential areas,” he says.
Throughout the streetlight conversion, his department has been mindful of residents’ sensitivity to light pollution. The city’s streetlights have always been fully shielded or covered on top to direct light downward. The new lights are also shielded, and classified as “full cut-off” LEDs with no light emitted above a horizontal level. Although their white light improves color recognition, it can appear brighter than yellow sodium lights.
“We had some complaints during the first week or so, but we’ve had more positive feedback than negative,” says Woodruff. “When people drive in from another city and see the difference, they say our lights look cleaner.” Residents also appreciate the safety afforded by better visibility.
Now that the public is aware of the new streetlights’ capabilities, Woodruff has already fielded requests for special occasions, such as a total blackout for fireworks on July 4th. He has invited several residents and police representatives to comment during the dimming test period, as the City Council establishes a formal policy.
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