NYSEG Crews to Convert 1,400 Street Lights to LED in the Town of Orchard Park

New lights use approximately 50 percent less energy, provide cost savings 

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — October 8, 2020 — The town of Orchard Park and NYSEG are collaborating to bring new LED lighting systems to the town’s street lights. NYSEG crews recently began work to convert approximately 1,400 street lights to the LED systems, which use approximately 50 percent less energy. These conversions are part of a broader effort by NYSEG to work with local municipalities to replace older “cobra head” style lighting to newer and more energy efficient LED systems. The project in Orchard Park includes work on 210 streets to upgrade all cobra head street lights within town limits.

“We’re very pleased to announce the start of an energy and cost savings project to upgrade our street lights to LED fixtures,” said Wayne Bieler, Orchard Park Town Engineer. “This project will save dollars, save energy and promote a green environmental practice in Orchard Park for years to come.”
 
The conversion project in the town of Orchard Park brings potential energy savings to the municipality as well as several other benefits including increased efficiency, streetscape modernization and more direct lighting to the roadways. It is one of the largest conversion projects in NYSEG’s service area and is anticipated to be completed by the end of October. As part of the conversion program, NYSEG crews also replaced street lights in the village of Orchard Park earlier this year. In total, the company has converted approximately 30,000 cobra head street lights to efficient LED lights in its service area across New York state.

“These conversion projects happening across the state will increase reliability, improve efficiency, and provide potential cost savings for municipalities,” said Mark Stifter, Key Account Manager at NYSEG. “It’s a true collaboration with local municipalities. We’re grateful to the town of Orchard Park for their initiative and collaboration to make this project a reality and are excited to bring new LED lighting systems to residents.” 

NYSEG advises customers that temporary and minor traffic delays may occur during the project period. The company also asks that motorist use extra caution when near crews and work zones.

“Our crews will be seen working all around town throughout the duration of this project,” said Chris Argetsinger, NYSEG Customer Program and Products Manager. “We thank our customers in advance for their attentiveness as they pass through work zones. This will allow crews to safely and efficiently convert the town’s street lights.” 

NYSEG and RG&E are subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc.