As you may have noticed, Fortis Alberta has begun the process of converting the street lights here in Lacombe to energy saving LED lights.

More than 130 communities across Alberta are on the list for the LED conversion this year. 

The change comes after Fortis Alberta was approved by Alberta Utilities Commission to do the conversion, after the program was successful implemented in 6 communities back in April, and Lacombe Council formally requested this program from Fortis at a council meeting back in December of 2016. 

Advisor for Fortis Alberta Natasha Russell said their customer based were vocal in asking for the LED lights, which have many advantages over the classic orange looking street lights.

“Reduced energy consumption, resulting in lower costs for our municipal costumers. And the technology that Fortis Alberta will be installing will use a warmer light, so that results in minimal blue-light exposure. And the fixtures are actually dark-sky friendly with zero up-light, which means less light pollution and/or sky glow as the light will be directed downward.”

Blue light refers to short wavelengths which produce a higher amount of energy, which is said to cause eye damage over long term.

Russell says the new lights are also more directional, casting their light on the streets and sidewalks rather than into people's bedroom windows. 

She also says these news lights are designed to focus on the streets and sidewalks, not your house.

“What people will see is that they are meant to light up exactly that, the street. So it does reduce light trespass, and there is a glare reduction as well. It wouldn’t be lightening up your house, or anything like that, it’s not meant to be lighting up your doorbell.” 

They are currently changing the street lights here in Lacombe, with some residents complaining that there appears to be less total light on their street than before.

There are around 1,331 Fortis-owned street lights here in Lacombe being converted from the high-pressure sodium to LED lights.

They anticipate an annual savings of $5.71 per streetlight.

Earlier this week a lively conversation was started on one of our local Facebook pages, which saw some residents unhappy with the new lights due to the perceived reduced visibility caused by the new LED lights, as they are focusing more on the street and less on people’s property’s. 

Mayoral candidate Peter Bouwsema commented on the post, saying he has “requested a discussion with council prior to the election”, regarding the installation of the LED lights.

A few residents feel that more research should have been done prior to the installation, while others worry the reduced light on houses could lead to an increase in crime.

The light bulb changeover is expected to be complete by October 13th, 2017.

(A photo from Burris Pointe in Lacombe, showing just how dark the street is with the new LED lights. Photo courtesy of Taryn McCrank Hancock)