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.