Province Helping Deck the Trees With LEDs

The province is helping 18 municipalities deck their trees with light emitting diode (LED) holiday lights to show Nova Scotians how they can save energy costs this holiday season.

"Nova Scotians can make smart choices to cut their holiday lighting bills by as much as 90 per cent simply by converting to LEDs," said Energy Minister Cecil Clarke. "We're partnering with these municipalities to help demonstrate the energy efficiency, the cost savings, and the practicality of LEDs to Nova Scotians."

Under the agreement, the Department of Energy is investing $21,500 to pay half the conversion costs for energy efficient, LED holiday lights in each of the 18 municipalities. Mr. Clarke said that, although the lights are more expensive to purchase than traditional incandescent lights, the municipalities will benefit because the lights quickly pay for themselves through energy savings.

"The Town of New Glasgow is pleased to be one of the municipal partners with the province on the LED holiday lights program," said Mayor Ann MacLean. "As a partner for climate protection since the late 1990s, New Glasgow is committed to initiatives such as the use of LED holiday lights and LED traffic lights, and values these programs as outstanding examples of provincial-municipal partnerships and cost sharing which benefit our environment. The LED lights lead by example in energy conservation and look beautiful."

Each holiday LED is made using a microchip that produces light. Since there is no filament to burn out, the lights can last up to 200,000 hours. The microchip does not produce heat so there is no fire hazard as there is with traditional incandescent holiday lights.

Seasonal LEDs also save money and reduce energy demand. LEDs cost eight cents for every 200 hours of operation with a 70 light string. Incandescent bulbs cost $7.70 to illuminate for the same amount of time. Holiday lighting also increases the amount of electricity generated when overall power requirements tend to peak.

Mr. Clarke said that if more Nova Scotians convert to LED holiday lights, it will help conserve energy and reduce strain on the power system.

"Demonstrating holiday LED technology in these communities is just one part of our Smart Energy Choices for Nova Scotians program to help Nova Scotians learn how to conserve energy. We hope that Nova Scotians will come see the lights and consider using them as part of their holiday celebrations."

NOTE: Following is a list of holiday lighting ceremonies for participating municipalities.

Monday, Nov. 14 -- Port Hawkesbury

Friday, Nov. 18 -- Amherst

• Kentville
• New Glasgow

Friday, Nov. 25 -- Annapolis

• Shelburne
• Truro
• Wolfville

Saturday, Nov. 26 -- Halifax Regional Municipality

Sunday, Nov. 27 -- Argyle

Thursday, Dec. 1 -- Barrington

• Bridgewater

Friday, Dec. 2 -- Bridgetown

• Kingston
• New Glasgow (New Glasgow Development
  Commission)
• Parrsboro
• Region of Queens

Sunday, Dec. 4 -- Port Williams