Benefits
In addition to energy and cost savings, this LED installation also reduces glare and light pollution which adheres to the 2008 lighting ordinance approved by the City Council. In 2009, the Asheville City Council unanimously approved using Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, part of the ARRA, to fund efficiency initiatives, including the first phase of the streetlight replacement. The revolving fund will roll energy savings back into the City’s green and efficiency initiatives. Progress Energy, which serves the City of Asheville, offers customers a rate schedule for LED streetlights. The special rates, approved by the N.C. Utilities Commission, offers customers the option of renting or owning LED lighting fixtures and reflect the energy cost savings of LED technology.