In the state of New York, Central Hudson Gas & Electric applied and were approved for a tariff that will help the state save more money by installing LED lighting. Previously in New York, and currently in other states, the electric companies don’t necessarily meter street lights. They calculate energy consumption of each lamp, and then just charge the city that rate per lamp. With the new tariff designed to benefit LED lamp usage, the electric company will have to recalculate the amount of energy consumed by the lamps, which is significantly less than high pressure sodium and metal halide lamps, and adjust the amount the city pays per lamp. Central Hudson also wanted to be able to benefit from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds with the LED lighting installation. Hopefully the new tariff in New York will convince other states to apply for an LED option tariff and take advantage of saving even more money by installing LED street lighting.
