For Immediate Release
Date: October 20, 2015

City of Savannah and Georgia Power leaders today celebrated the completion of a project that has retrofitted 16,165 street lights in Savannah with more energy-efficient, and better illuminating, LED fixtures. The last conversion took place during a ceremony on Largo Drive, at the entrance to Joseph Tribble Park.

“This is what we mean by community partnerships,” said Mayor Edna Jackson. “Together we are improving safety in Savannah.”

The conversion from high-pressure sodium fixtures, which have an orange glow appearance, to LEDs, which have a whiter light, took about 16 weeks. The LEDs:
- Use about 50 percent less electricity
- Last significantly longer than high-pressure sodium fixtures
- Provide a broader spectrum of light, allowing better visibility of signs, bicyclists and pedestrians
- Reduce upward glare by better directing light on the roadways, with fewer hot spots and dim areas

“Many residents are now able to see the stars from their yards,” said City Traffic Engineering Coordinator Michele Strickland.

Street lights are a partnership between the City and Georgia Power. Georgia Power owns and maintains the light fixtures, while the City directs placement and pays the electric bill. Georgia Power funded the cost of the retrofit; monthly rates to the City will stay the same. When Georgia Power presented the conversion opportunity earlier this year, City leaders were quick to move forward.

“This benefits the entire community,” said 6th District Alderman Tony Thomas. “There is no additional cost to our residents, but many benefits.”

All 100-, 150-, and 250-watt streetlight fixtures were replaced with LED equivalents. Some 400-watt fixtures, found on major roadways, will be replaced later this year.

“We were happy to partner with the City on this important project,” said Georgia Power External Affairs Manager Matt Gignilliat. “I truly believe we make this a better place together.”