The Manitowoc Public Utilities Commission has approved a plan to convert every city streetlight from the current high-pressure sodium to lighting emitting diode or LED lighting.
Mayor Justin Nickels says this plan falls into the goal of making Manitowoc more energy efficient while not affecting customer utility rates. The city will save an estimated $100,000 annually.
The payback for the total infrastructure cost will be slightly more than nine years with LEDs lasting approximately 20 years providing one hundred thousand hours of light.
The city recently constructed LED lighting on Rapids Road and Waldo Boulevard as part of recent road construction projects. Neighborhood districts will see a “dimmer” LED light than frequently traveled roadways.
Work is scheduled to begin with the downtown district next year with completion targeted for sometime in 2024.
