Traffic Lights To Become More Energy Efficient

Many provincially owned traffic lights will become more energy efficient when they are converted from incandescent traffic lights to light-emitting diodes (LED) as part of a new pilot project. The new lights use about 87 per cent less energy than the bulbs they replace and last five to seven times longer.

"This initiative will save money and have positive environmental benefits," said Energy Minister Ernie Fage. "It's all part of the commitment we made in our Energy Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from government operations."

The Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW) are co-sponsoring the pilot project to determine the feasability of converting all traffic signal lights under the province's jurisdiction. The pilot project will provide $100,000 in funding to retrofit 15 per cent of government-managed signals.

"Other provinces in Canada, as well as the United States, are using this system and I believe this is something that will benefit Nova Scotians in the long run," said Transportation Minister Michael Baker. "This initiative will also reduce maintenance costs for the department given that LED lights have a much longer lifespan than the current bulbs."

The Nova Scotia Energy Strategy commits the province to reducing energy use in government facilities. Similar commitments have been made as part of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Climate Change Action Plan. In August 2002, governors and premiers designated four energy efficiency projects for joint action, including retrofit of traffic signal lights with LED technology.

For more information about these programs and others supported by the Department of Energy, visit the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/energy .