August 29, 2016 – FortisAlberta—an electricity distribution company serving central and southern Alberta—says it has developed an LED Conversion Option to meet the needs of municipal customers who seek LED replacements for their existing streetlights.

“LED technology has advanced to the point where it is a viable economic and environmental choice for FortisAlberta and our customers, many of whom have requested an LED conversion option,” explained Don Hughes, director, business development.

The utility says it filed an application with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) in April 2016 to convert existing streetlights under this program. AUC granted approval of the program and approved the first six municipalities of Canmore, Crowsnest Pass, Devon, Okotoks, St. Albert and Wetaskiwin for conversion.

Bellevue and Hillcrest in Crowsnest Pass are the first two communities to undergo LED conversions, in which a total of 153 of their existing HPS streetlights will be converted to LED technology beginning the end of August. Through these conversions, Crowsnest Pass will save about 92,000 kWh/year, says FortisAlberta.

With an estimated 80,000 fixtures eligible for this program, FortisAlberta says it will invest $30 million into converting streetlights for its customers.

“This is a great initiative that will allow us to continue to improve the energy efficiency of our infrastructure while controlling costs for our customers,” added Hughes.