New Lightbulbs Will Conserve Energy on VA Highways

Governor Ralph Northam announced in December that the Virginia Department of Transportation will replace over 9,600 highway lights with LED bulbs to increase visibility and conserve energy.

The new bulbs last for 15 years instead of five, and halve the energy expenditure of the originals. The replacements are predicted to reduce greenhouse gasses by 8,800 tons and expend 11 million fewer kilowatt-hours per year. Trane, the manufacturer of the bulbs, will begin installation in early 2020.

There are more than 20,000 light poles in the state, according to WTOP News, and the current plan only calls for the alternates to be used in Hampton Roads, Fredericksburg, Richmond and parts of Northern Virginia. — By Finn Halloran