Kansas City saved energy by switching to LED streetlights

 

As part of its comprehensive green infrastructure plan, Kansas City is transitioning to LED streetlights. These new bulbs are more efficient, have a longer lifespan, and reduce carbon emissions. However, environmentalists argue that the real solution to reducing carbon pollution is to shut down the coal-fired power plant that supplies energy to the city.

For years, Kansas City used high-pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs in its streetlights, which emitted a multi-directional, orange glow. In 2012, as part of a broader move towards green infrastructure, the city began transitioning to LEDs. These bulbs save on maintenance costs, use less electricity, and reduce carbon emissions—steps towards a greener environment.

In 2017, the city invested $2 million to convert 6,000 streetlights to LEDs, saving around $300,000 and reducing carbon emissions by 1,900 tons.
Today, Kansas City has invested $25 million and converted nearly 100,000 streetlights to LED bulbs.