The District of Columbia is preparing to launch a large scale streetlight replacement project which is scheduled to begin in early 2011. This initial LED streetlight deployment is funded by a $1 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The installation will involve replacement of over than 1,000 existing 150 watt mercury vapor streetlights with energy efficient LED streetlight fixtures and will focus primarily on alley lighting. The Washington, D.C., Department of Transportation (DDOT) selected the LS-2 LED streetlight fixture manufactured by Lighting Science Group (LSG) of Florida.

In preparation for the upcoming project, DDOT officials tested approximately twenty different LED streetlight fixtures as part of a pilot program. The pilot installations involved photometric readings and evaluated and tested the fixtures for lifespan, efficacy, color temperature and compatibility, among other variables, according to John Lisle of the DDOT. “An additional component of the pilot was to survey citizens for their feedback,” said Lisle. The LSG fixture was selected to replace lower wattage—150 watts or less—alley lights.

Long-term plans for Washington, D.C., involve conversion of all existing roadway lights to LED technology. There are currently 67,957 streetlights in the District, including HPS, mercury vapor, incandescent and metal halide. The District has an Action Agenda which calls for sustainable energy solutions, but funding limitations will potentially restrict the pace at which future installations occur.