Raleigh Mayor Offers Energy-Saving, Municipal Lighting Plan

Raleigh, N.C. — Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker is shedding light on a new energy-saving plan that he argues will be good for the city and the environment.

The city is teaming up with Cree, Inc., to test light-emitting diode (LED) technology across the city. The technology will be used in a number of lighting applications, including garage and parking lot lights, street lights, architectural and accent lighting, portable lighting and pedestrian and walkway lighting over the next 18 months.

Cree, Inc., installed parking lights in the Raleigh Municipal Building parking deck in December 2006. According to company officials, the city has saved 40 percent in energy costs.

“The economic benefits for municipalities to invest in LEDs are clear -- they save energy, reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of light. As leaders in one of America’s fastest growing cities, it’s our civic responsibility to invest in the future and ensure the highest possible quality of life and safety for our citizens in generations to come,” Meeker said. “We believe that the cost savings and benefits of LED lighting are real and achievable today.”

The city of Raleigh spends $4 million in street lights and electricity alone. If the city finds there are significant savings, officials could implement the lighting plan by Cree, Inc., elsewhere.

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Latest Comments

ok read it carefully vabab --- they CURRENTLY spend 4 million -- that's part of what your taxes are paying for. Mayor Meeker is doing a good job at trying to find ways to decrease that cost! -- and I applaud him! Let's move on -- save some money -- and spend it on schools and roads -- then people will stop complaining about where their tax dollars go!

wjcspanteach
February 12, 2007 3:41 p.m.

Sounds like the sales guy from Cree, Inc took old Meeker out for some golf and scored a deal.

briansaunders
February 12, 2007 3:31 p.m.

If they can save a million or 2 then that's more money they can give to the schools, roads, sheriff's office, etc.

Fuquay Resident
February 12, 2007 2:48 p.m.

I do not get you people.. ya complain when they spend money to improve the city and you complain when they find ways to save money for the city. Get off your high-horse...

2
February 12, 2007 2:10 p.m.

And the city of Raleigh gets this $4 million where? True, we need to watch out for the next generations, but exactly who is this going to benefit? Surely not the tax payers. We don't get breaks!