LCEC looks to install LED street lighting in Cape Coral
LCEC is filing a rate structure with the Public Service Commission next week for installation of LED street lighting in Cape Coral.
“We have considered?LED lights for several years, but the cost was prohibitive,” said LCEC spokesperson Karen Ryan. “In the last year or so they have come down considerably.”
The PSC will review LCEC’s proposal to make sure it is fair and reach its decision next month. Ryan said it is little more than a formality request since the rate being proposed for LED lighting is the same as the current street lighting.
“We tested the LEDs to see how they would do in our environment, if they would stand up to the wet, salty and sun conditions we have,” said Ryan. “They held up well so we hope to roll out the program by April 1.”
The LED fixtures are more expensive than the fixtures in use now, but the greatly reduced energy cost associated with LEDs cancels out the difference.
“We have streetlighting districts throughout the city,” said Ryan. “This program is for those interested in new installations. We have 18,000 streetlights on our grid. When one fails they will be replaced with LED. New installations also will be LED.”
The current rate for those participating in streetlight districts is less than $12 a month, Ryan said.