Detailed Summary

The Town of Apex Electric Utilities Department is undertaking a significant upgrade to its street lighting system by replacing over 6,700 high-pressure sodium (HPS) streetlights with energy-efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures. This initiative is being executed in collaboration with American Lighting & Signalization and will extend to areas including New Hill and parts of Cary. The new LED lights feature a more open design without side panels, which minimizes maintenance issues associated with acrylic components. The transition to LED streetlights offers numerous advantages. LEDs are 3 to 5 times more efficient than HPS lights, resulting in substantial energy savings and reduced operational costs. Additionally, the lifespan of LED bulbs is significantly longer, lasting up to 70,000 hours compared to the 24,000 hours typical of HPS lamps. This longevity translates to fewer maintenance trips and lower supply costs. Furthermore, the new LED lighting enhances visibility and safety for drivers and pedestrians through improved light distribution and quality. The environmentally friendly nature of LEDs, which consume less electricity and contain no mercury, contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, this upgrade aims to enhance public safety while promoting a more sustainable and efficient street lighting system in Apex.

Replacing Street Lights To LED

The Town of Apex Electric Utilities Department has contracted with American
Lighting & Signalization to replace all current high-pressure sodium (HPS)
streetlights to Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures and bulbs. Apex has over
6,700 streetlights throughout town, also extending into New Hill and parts of
Cary.

Note: You may notice that the new street lights do not include side
panels, and appear more 'open' than the old design. This helps reduce the
maintenance on each light, as the acrylic side panels can break, and become
discolored over time.

**Benefits[![LED

map](https://www.apexnc.org/ImageRepository/Document?documentId=48935)](https://apexnc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f579458b6d6495795b2f3b63f110800)to
Switching to LED Street Lights**

LEDs require less power than HPS and other incandescent lights. The LEDs that
are being installed in Apex are typically 3 to 5 times more efficient than the
lights being replaced. This conversion will offer significant energy savings,
increased reliability, and lights with extended longevity. Below are more
benefits of using LED streetlight bulbs:

Lowered Maintenance Cost: LED bulbs last 2-3 times longer than HPS lights, requiring fewer trips up the pole to replace burnt-out lamps which equates to less maintenance and supply costs. Traditional high-pressure sodium lamps last up to 24,000 hours (about six years) and sodium lamps need to be replaced every three to four years to avoid failures. LEDs can last up to 70,000 hours (more than 15 years).
Increases Visibility: LED street lights provide more visibility, delivering improved vertical light distribution, reduced light "trespass" (both horizontally and vertically), excellent color qualities and clearer lighting.
Environmentally Friendly: LED lights use about half of the electricity of sodium lamps which reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, there is no mercury used in the production of LED lights.
Energy Efficient : LED lights use less energy than traditional (HPS) lights.
Safety: Improvements in light quality, illuminance, and uniformity will help aid drivers, pedestrians, and promote general public safety, as well as an overall improvement to roadway appeal.

Street Light Conversion

Replacing Street Lights To LED

**Benefits[![LED