Notice something different about your street at night lately? Do things seem a little brighter? That’s because during January, Xcel Energy is installing LED streetlights along arterial roads throughout Westminster. 

Why LED? Light emitting diode (LED) lights are more durable, long-lasting and cost-effective than the previously used high pressure sodium vapor (HPSV) lights. In fact, LED fixtures use up to 60 percent less electricity than HPSV lights and have a longer life, resulting in fewer replacements, less maintenance and brighter streets.

In pilot projects, LED streetlights have been linked to enhanced public safety because they deliver more visible light. Additionally, they provide an environmental advantage by using less energy. 

Westminster is one of the many communities in the Denver-metro area to move forward with Xcel Energy’s LED streetlight program. In total, Xcel Energy  has replaced more than 35,000 lights, saving 49 communities more than $175,000 annually.

These new lights alone will help avoid almost one million pounds of CO2 emissions per month – or the equivalent of removing more than 1,400 cars from the road. 

So if the streetlights look a little different, it’s not your eyes playing tricks on you - it’s Xcel Energy and the City of Westminster decreasing energy use and saving money.