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The Village of Port Jefferson is partnering with the New York Power Authority to install more than 1,100 LED streetlights as part of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s statewide eco-friendly lighting program.
The first lights will be installed in October and will continue to be installed until Jan. 21.
The Smart Street Lighting NY Program’s mission is to install 500,000 energy-efficient LED streetlights statewide by 2025.
The energy efficiency project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 500 metric tons a year — the equivalent of taking more than 100 cars off the road, according to NYPA.
The initiative is part of Cuomo’s Green New Deal plan — a clean energy and jobs agenda to help put New York on a path towards a future of economy-wide carbon neutrality.
NYPA is providing Port Jefferson with $225,000 in SMART city funding grants to support the $2.4 million project.
Over 1,100 decorative and cobra-headed-style streetlights throughout the village will be replaced with energy-saving LED fixtures.
“NYPA is working with municipalities across New York to modernize their streetlight fixtures and move the state into the future,” said Gil Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “The replacement of more than 1,100 streetlights in Port Jefferson is a demonstration of the state’s steadfast commitment to fighting climate change and saving taxpayer money through innovative energy programs.”
The Power Authority will replace more than 700 additional interior and exterior lighting fixtures at the village’s buildings and parks.
In addition to the street lights, Port Jefferson Village will also install SMART technology throughout the community to improve public safety and create a more energy-efficient community.
“This project is a win-win for the environment and the village, with the expected reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as well as the significant savings the village will realize in terms of energy costs and maintenance once the energy-efficient LED lights are installed,” said Mayor Margot Garant. “The Village of Port Jefferson is proud to be among the first municipalities on Long Island to undertake such a project.”
Some of the long-term benefits of LED lighting, as opposed to alternatives, include reduced failures and repairs, its cost-effectiveness, and the individual hubs the fixtures will create for future SMART technology add-ons.
So far, the NYPA has installed — or is in the process of installing — more than 90,000 LED streetlights at municipalities across the state.
To learn more about the Smart Street Lighting NY program, visit the program webpage on NYPA’s website.
Top: Chandler Square by Sean Mills Photography
