New town streetlights pros and cons

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Roland Dechesne challenged Strathmore town council to put their money where their motto is, in discussions about replacement of the high pressure sodium (HPS) street lights with 4000 k LED lights. Merits were discussed at the Dec. 7 town council meeting.
“While LED streetlights are an energy efficient option for lighting, there are other aspects of your choice you should weigh before accepting Fortis’ recommended lamps,” said Dechesne, a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RSAC) Calgary Centre. “Brighter lamps than the current ones will simply worsen any issues of glare and circadian disruption inherent in most LEDs currently available. As the town motto says ‘Where quality of life is a way of life,’” said Dechesne.
Deschesne went on to outline the details of the light spectrum and how different types of lighting physical components work. Differences in colour ranges affect people in different ways. Blue light in the colour spectrum contributes to changes in plant and human circadian rhythms and health. It can affect plant growth and disrupt sleep levels in humans, which includes some disease susceptibility. Research indicates the blue 4000k light contributes to changes in eyesight and presents as glare to the human eye. As well, it can contribute to weight gain, an increase in sickness and set off premature sexual development, depending on exposure levels. Dechesne said studies by the Engineering Society for North America determined that brighter lights do not necessarily promote safety or lessen liability for the town.
Ruhin Sachedina with FortisAlberta gave a well-documented slide presentation addressing concerns, which came down to perhaps an argument of quality versus financial quantity. He was asked by council to demonstrate the two types of lighting, so that council could make an informed decision that would best benefit residents.
Sachedina said Fortis does adhere to the Engineering Society of North America standards for their HPS lights and their LED lights. He said based on recent research, Fortis is considering shifting the kelvin levels down to 3000k. However, he said that any new lights installed in the future will be LED. He said that Fortis’ goal is to look out for Strathmore and to improve the quality of life.
The conclusion was that LEDs may save about $5 saving per fixture initially, and after five years about $20 per fixture and energy use savings for the town. LED lights may possibly decrease light pollution; but leaving the existing lower 3000k lighting would reduce glare and health impacts.
Strathmore town council accepted the presentation and asked that staff work out the financial breakdown and bring the matter back to council at a later date.