Baltimore City has launched a project to switch 70,000 city streetlights from sodium vapor lights to LEDs. The project is expected to bring an annual savings of $1.9 million on the electric bill and $275,000 in maintenance costs. Besides, the LED lights will improve the lighting experience with less glare and less light.
 
However, critics say the new lights don't illuminate the area as well. City Councilman Robert W. Curran, who represents Northeast Baltimore, said that can be a public safety issue if sidewalks aren't well-lit. "They don't seem to be as effective as the vapor lights," he said.
 
The first phase of the three-year project is about 80 percent completed, with 8,000 new lights in place, said Ted Atwood, director of Baltimore's Department of General Services. Switching the 10,000 city-owned streetlights was the first step. Next up are the lights owned by Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.
 
For local and state government agencies looking for ways to trim costs, converting street and traffic lights is an opportunity for savings. A study by the Clinton Climate Initiative says streetlights can account for as much as 60 percent of a municipality's electric bill.