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Nine LED streetlights have been erected as prototypes in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, near Minneapolis, by Xcel Energy, a Midwest energy supplier. This is the company’s first test of LED streetlights in a residential area.
The 26-foot-high streetlights were manufactured by Relume Technologies and distributed by Mountain State Lighting.
“As part of a pilot project, we’re testing them for a year to see how they perform in all weather conditions. And around here, they’ll face some pretty difficult weather conditions,” said Patty Nystuen, spokesperson at Xcel Energy.
In addition, the LED streetlights will be tested for light output and clarity. Xcel Energy also plans to gather public comment about the new lights.
“[LED] is the way of the future. It’s the new technology that’s coming along. There are a lot of advantages, including energy savings. Also, not as much light pollution seems to be a big advantage,” Nystuen said. “One of the big elements of the test will be to see how people like them. It doesn’t come in your bedroom window quite the same way.”
With operations in 8 Western and Midwestern states, Xcel Energy provides services to 3.2 million electricity customers. |
