The city of Coquitlam will begin the process of converting all of its street lighting to more energy-efficient LED technology starting next year.
The price tag for changing over the city’s 11,000 fixtures will be high at first, with an estimated capital cost of between $5.1 million and $5.9 million. But in the long term, the reduction in energy use will save the city between $380,000 to $450,000 a year, covering the initial cost within 11 to 16 years.
The type of light fixtures that exist across Coquitlam are also complicating the transition to LED.
Currently, 40% of the city’s lights are what are known as post top, meaning they sit at the top of a post that is generally stylized to a given neighbourhood, like City Centre or Maillardville. The old bulbs cost $700 for these fixtures, a number that will jump to $900 when LED is introduced.
The more common posts, known as Davits, are generally taller and run along major thoroughfares, such as Mariner Way. The cost increase for these fixtures is more modest, rising from $325 for the old lights to $375 for LED.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
@gmckennaTC
