Chicago dials down LED street lamp intensity — and controversy

Energy News Network

As the city of Chicago begins converting more than a quarter-million street lamps to high-efficiency LEDs, the light — and public reaction — hasn’t been as harsh as what was seen in cities that were earlier adopters.

“It’s definitely a cleaner light, and it feels safer in general,” said Andrew Shedden, 36, as he walked his dog Odie along Touhy Avenue on a recent afternoon under a bank of newly installed LED street lights.

The Chicago Department of Transportation has already upgraded 18,000 lamps, and by 2021 it plans to install 270,000 of the energy-saving lights, which up to three-quarters less electricity than high-pressure sodium lamps.

“The Chicago Smart Lighting Program is off to a great start, delivering modern, reliable, energy-efficient lighting that is already improving quality of life in Chicago neighborhoods,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.

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