Xcel Energy Purpose To Convert Its Streetlight to LED

Xcel Energy plans to light up North Dakota by adding LED streetlights.

Xcel Energy owns about a quarter of the streetlights in their service areas, including in Fargo and West Fargo.

The company is proposing to convert all of its streetlights to LED.

“It’s kind of one of those situations where you got new technology and you get lower cost and better service,” says Xcel senior regulatory consultant, David Sederquist.

Xcel Energy owns about 3,500 streetlights in North Dakota including more than 624 in Fargo and 98 in West Fargo.

“I don’t know what the cost is to have them put in but I know energy wise they’re better. They take less energy, they’re good lights,” says Fargoan, Michelle Bennett.

The estimated yearly savings is from $6-9 per customer.

The cost of LED light fixtures will be expensive, but the quality of the lights is supposed to be better in the long run.

“(They) use a lot less energy which is great. They actually throw a better light. And they protect against light pollution. The light actually shines down more so the skies are darker. The neat thing is the lamps last longer too,” says Sederquist.

These LED streetlights are said to last 10–15 years.

Almost double the time to replace the current high–pressure sodium streetlights.

Another reason Fargoans are for this switch is the comfort the LED lights bring.

“I do track and I do long distance so I mostly jog at night during the summer. I think it’s a great idea. Also it makes people feel more safe,” says Fargoan, Raheem Ahasan.

Xcel plans to request for the LED streetlights on December 2nd from the State Public Commission.

If approved, the project will begin in the spring.