Best Practice Action 4.3
GreenStep City Best Practices: Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals No. 4
Improve the efficiency and quality of street lighting, traffic signals and outdoor public lighting.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 3
Replace the city's existing street lighting with Dark Sky-compliant LEDs, modifying any city franchise/utility agreement and adding smart grid attributes.
- Note that the Minnesota Buildings, Benchmarks and Beyond (B3) website allows cities to track energy use of street lighting whose electricity bills the city pays.
- Franchise agreements represent a largely unused opportunity for municipalities to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy, and some franchise agreements even create disincentives for energy efficiency.
- The comprehensive listing of LED streetlight resources by CERTs covers paybacks, bulb longevity, light trespass, maintenance cost savings, total cost-savings calculators, research in Minnesota, 'how-to' manuals, specifications and more.
- Use the International Dark-Sky Association Bad Streetlights guide to promote reduced/smarter outdoor lighting. See the GreenStep Dark Skies best practices for more.
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Negotiate phased-in LED replacement of existing street lighting technology not owned by the city; replace 1/3 of lights. |
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Include in a utility franchise or contract mandatory lamp replacement with LEDs; assure all lighting is Dark-Sky compliant; replace 2/3 of lights; use B3 to track energy use of street lighting whose electricity bills the city pays. |
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Replace 100% of lights; estimate and report annual cost/energy/maintenance savings of replacements; report smart grid attributes of street lighting and light poles (such as auto/sensor dimming, video display panels). |
Who's doing it
Circle Pines -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
We took it upon ourselves to replace all of the street lights with LED's. Our partners with Connexus and Xcel did not object to the replacements so all of the city street lights have been converted.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
We are working on estimating the cost savings as we started changing out lights in 2016 and have done a section of the city every year so it will take us a little while to get these statistics.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Patrick Antonen (City Staff) | pantonen@ci.circle-pines.mn.us | 763-231-2605
Partners:
East Grand Forks -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
Effective 2021, East Grand Forks Water and Light Department converted all of its residential, commercial, and industrial streetlights into LEDs. This was a capital project that started in 2015
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kevin Hatcher (City Staff) | khatcher@egf.mn | 218-773-1163
Partners:
Fridley -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Fridley partnered with Xcel Energy to replace 870 overhead lights with Dark Sky-compliant LED lights in the City.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The changeout of 870 lights is expected to save 27,468.6 kilowatt hours of energy per month, which equals $482.52 off of the City's energy bill and 28,951.90 lbs of CO2 removed from the atmosphere monthly
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Rachel Workin (City staff) | rachel.workin@fridleymn.gov | 763-572-3594
Partners: Xcel Energy
Golden Valley -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The City has worked with Excel energy to change out all 558 standard cobrahead street lights with new energy efficient 3000k LEDs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
This action has saved up to 221,000 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere per year, and saved the City 23% on its energy bill.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Drew Chirpich (City staff) | dchirpich@goldenvalleymn.gov | 763-593-8044
Partners: Excel Energy
Long Beach -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Working with Xcel Energy, all city street lighting was converted to more efficient LED bulbs that dark sky compliant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Partners: Xcel Energy
Marine on Saint Croix -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2/17
Implementation details:
Xcel Energy replaced all 58 high pressure sodium street lights with LED equivalents (Feb 2017). 42 100 Watt HPSV were replaced with 39 Watt LED; 16 150 Watt HPSV were replaced with 65 Watt LED. Anticipated kWh savings = 1727/mo; CO2 lbs/kWh avoided = 1820/mo.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Anne Reich (Community volunteer) | reichmn@gmail.com | 651-433-1341
Partners: Xcel Energy
New Germany -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Excel Energy upgraded the street lights to LED street lights.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
More energy efficient
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Twyla Menth (City staff) | ngcityhall@gmail.com | 952-353-2488
Partners: Xcel
New Hope -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city has replaced street lights with LED fixtures.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
Partners:
New Ulm -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
New Ulm Public Utilities have replaced all existing street lighting to LED technology. Most LED converted streetlights range from 45-68 watts/5,030-7430 lumens all the way to 135 watts/15,000 lumens.
When HPS bulbs were used, these numbers ranged from 50 to 400 watts to capture the same number of lumens. The dramatic difference in wattage range due to LED design efficiency has resulted in a savings of 1,419,120 kWh (kilowatt hours) and 324 kW (kilowatts) since the conversion program began in 2012. A total of 3,622 streetlight fixtures have been changed to LED. This number included changes to existing lighting and new developments within the community. Additionally, dark sky compliant lighting has been installed when possible. All street lighting 26 to 31 feet high are dark sky compliant in New Ulm. Lighting installed is also capable of lumen adjustment if light in a particular area is excessive.
When HPS bulbs were used, these numbers ranged from 50 to 400 watts to capture the same number of lumens. The dramatic difference in wattage range due to LED design efficiency has resulted in a savings of 1,419,120 kWh (kilowatt hours) and 324 kW (kilowatts) since the conversion program began in 2012. A total of 3,622 streetlight fixtures have been changed to LED. This number included changes to existing lighting and new developments within the community. Additionally, dark sky compliant lighting has been installed when possible. All street lighting 26 to 31 feet high are dark sky compliant in New Ulm. Lighting installed is also capable of lumen adjustment if light in a particular area is excessive.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Derek Nelson (City Staff) | DerekN@newulmmn.gov | 507-233-2110
Partners:
Nisswa -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
We have switched all of our street lighting to dark sky compliant LEDs. The goal of this transition was to lower our energy usage and light pollution.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brittney Cotner (City Staff) | zoningadmin@ci.nisswa.mn.us | 2189632402
Partners:
Royalton -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
All street lights within the City of Royalton are LED lights and meet our Outdoor Lighting ordinance for being Dark Sky compliant
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
All street lights within the City are LED and compliant with city Ordinance.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Lighting__Ord._51.pdf
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
Partners: MN Power
Shorewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Xcel Energy is in charge of the street lights in Shorewood. All street lights have been converted by Xcel to dark sky-compliant LED bulbs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Eric Wilson (City Staff) | ewilson@shorewoodmn.gov | 952-960-7906
Partners:
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2013
Implementation details:
Between 2013 and 2018 Duluth replaced the majority of their standard street lights with LEDs. In 2016 an additional project was done to install LED bulbs in all decorative fixtures in areas such as Canal Park and along the Lake Walk. Replacing all corn cob lights with LEDs began in 2017 and is nearly complete. All lighting purchased is Dark Sky compliant per city policy.
Minnesota Power has been replacing their burnt out sodium light fixtures in the city with LEDs since 2015, and recently announced that they would switch from installing 4000K LEDs to softer 2700K LEDs.
Minnesota Power has been replacing their burnt out sodium light fixtures in the city with LEDs since 2015, and recently announced that they would switch from installing 4000K LEDs to softer 2700K LEDs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Alex Jackson, Energy Coordinator (City staff) | ajackson@DuluthMN.gov | 218-730-4433
Partners:
Lake City -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: Ongoing
Implementation details:
The City of Lake City is in the process of updating its street lighting to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. To date, we have replaced the majority of our existing streetlights, with approximately 90% now using Dark Sky-compliant LED lights. This upgrade helps reduce light pollution, improve nighttime visibility, and lower energy consumption.
Additionally, the City is working toward incorporating smart grid attributes and modifying our utility agreements to support more sustainable and efficient lighting solutions. This is an ongoing effort, and we are committed to completing the transition as part of our broader sustainability goals.
Additionally, the City is working toward incorporating smart grid attributes and modifying our utility agreements to support more sustainable and efficient lighting solutions. This is an ongoing effort, and we are committed to completing the transition as part of our broader sustainability goals.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tyler Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@ci.lake-city.mn.us | 1-651-345-6850
Partners:
Marshall -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Marshall Municipal Utilities policy is to replace all street light fixtures with new energy efficient fixtures as part of it's planned electric system improvement project.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Nearly all of Marshall's Street lights have been replaced with new Dark-sky compliant energy efficient light fixtures as part of Marshall Municipal Utilities electric conversion project.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Antony (City staff) | MarkA@marshallutilities.com | (507) 537-7005
Partners: Marshall Municipal Utilities
Shakopee -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The City and SPUC have phased-in LED Dark Sky compliant replacements of streetlights over time, most streetlights have been replaced.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The vast majority of streetlights have been replaced with LEDs and are Dark Sky compliant; will be tracked in B3 in the future.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | info@shakopeemn.gov | 952-233-9300
Partners: Shakopee Public Utilities Commission
Two Harbors -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Purchased and replaced 30 LED Security Lights and 30 Green Cobra Jr Street Lights to improve energy efficiency.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jennifer Sterbenz (City Staff) | jsterbenz@twoharborsmn.gov | 218-834-8804
Partners:
Warren -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
• City established a phased-in LED replacement of existing street lighting technology for city and non-city fixtures.
• Replaced 1/5 of street lighting with LED lighting; on pace to meet the 1 Star requirement by 04/2019
• Replaced 1/5 of street lighting with LED lighting; on pace to meet the 1 Star requirement by 04/2019
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The City of Warren has an established policy to replace all streetlights with LED lighting as street project take place.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Shannon Mortenson (City staff) | shannonm@warrenminnesota.com | 218-745-5343
Partners:
Crosslake -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The city council approved at the January 8, 2024, meeting the lighting portion of the CSAH 3/66 Pedestrian & Intersection Improvements would include 14 lights at the roundabout and 4 pedestrian lights at other intersections. Each light would have banner arms, a flag holder, an outlet and would be designed as preferred by the Dark Sky Association.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Patty Norgaard (Community Volunteer) | pattynorgaard@crosslake.net | 218-692-5370
Partners:
Hackensack -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
Street lights along First Street (one of the two major commercial streets) were replaced with Dark Sky compliant LED fixtures. Lights on the other major commercial street will similarly be replaced with LED fixtures during reconstruction of MN Hwy 371 next year. Future lights will also be LED.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Gary Dietrich (Community Volunteer) | garydietrich@icloud.com | 612-801-3345
Partners:
Rochester -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city of Rochester, Minnesota, is poised to initiate a significant LED streetlight installation project on city roadways. The proposed project is intended to replace up to 300 to 400 existing 175 watt mercury vapor streetlights with LED streetlight fixtures. The project is funded by an award of $180,000 from the US Department of Energys Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program combined with a 20% funding match from the municipal utility, Rochester Public Utility (RPU). RPU has budgeted a total of approximately $225,000 in funds for the purchase and installation of the new LED streetlights.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners:
Saint Anthony -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of St. Anthony and Xcel Energy annually review the technology available to replace the existing street lights with LED technology. Xcel Energy anticipates, within the next two years, the technology will be available and economical to justify the change-out.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jay Hartman (City staff) | jay.hartman@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us | 612-782-3314
Partners:
Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
There have been discussions along the line of facilitating rapid replacement of inefficient street lighting with Dark Sky-compliant LEDs, modifying any city franchise/utility agreement and adding smart grid attributes, but no decisions have been made. Utility has recently offered Rebate incentives that are independent of the franchise agreement that will act as an incentive.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kurt Schultz (City staff) | kurt.schultz@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6590
Partners:
South Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of South St. Paul currently replaces all outdoor light fixtures in need of replacing with LED fixtures on all City owned buildings. While we do not have a formal policy, we find it to be a best practice, be energy efficient, and saving the City money in the long run. This takes place at City Hall, the Public Works facility, the SSP Public Library, the SSP Airport, the Doug Woog Arena and within the SSP Park’s system.
It fits into the City’s overall goal of sustainability and noting that the change is made at the time to replace which is not only more cost effective but less wasteful than immediately changing over all fixtures (including ones that currently work just fine).
It fits into the City’s overall goal of sustainability and noting that the change is made at the time to replace which is not only more cost effective but less wasteful than immediately changing over all fixtures (including ones that currently work just fine).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Susan Zarling, State Signal and Lighting Engineer, MN Dept. of Transportation: 651/234-7052, susan.zarling@state.mn.us