September 12, 2012 – Nova Scotia is closer to becoming the first jurisdiction in North America to exclusively use LED roadway lighting. Energy minister Charlie Parker finalized amendments to the Energy-Efficient Appliances Regulations today, requiring all road and highway lighting in the province must be converted to LED.

“With LED road lighting, Nova Scotia will save millions of dollars by using about half the energy of current lighting, and improve our air quality while reducing our carbon footprint,” said Parker.

The regulations require Nova Scotia Power to complete its conversion by December 31, 2019. Municipalities will have until Dec. 31, 2022, and now have one year to outline the conversion.

The regulations are expected to save Nova Scotians about $5 million a year in energy costs alone after all the lights have been converted, says the government. Nova Scotia Power is proposing a new rate plan for streetlight customers which will not increase annual costs for seven years and offer a rate reduction if they use Nova Scotia Power-owned lights. Depending on maintenance, there could be additional savings. Municipalities that choose to own their own lights could also benefit from lower financing costs.

“The province is also making low-cost financing available so more municipalities can take advantage of these savings sooner,” said Parker.

The regulations were drafted by the Department of Energy after public consultations and meetings with the LED Working Group that includes Halifax Regional Municipality, Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, Efficiency Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power.

CLICK HERE for the regulations.