OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg got a $53,000 contribution from National Grid to help convert aging street lights to LED bulbs.

"When a municipality makes the choice to convert streetlights to LED bulbs, it’s not just making an environmentally conscious decision, but one that will save residents and taxpayers money in the long term. National Grid supported one such conversion in the City of Ogdensburg by providing more than $53,000 in incentives to replace nearly 1,000 streetlights," a press release from National Grid Strategic Communication Manager Jared Paventi said.

"Upgrading high-pressure sodium bulbs and lights to new, energy efficient LED bulbs and luminaires will help the city save nearly 433,500 kilowatt-hours in electricity annually and reduce their energy bills. "

According to The release LED streetlights have a longer lifespan and use less energy than legacy HPS systems, creating a high return on investment for local governments.

LED bulbs have a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours, more than four times the length of a sodium bulb.

Newer LED fixtures also use about one-fifth of the energy as a HPS bulb, lowering upfront energy costs.

According to the statement the LED lights also can be illuminated instantaneously, activating without a warm-up period, and shine their light downward to street-level, which reduces upward light pollution and restores the nighttime environment and habitats.

"National Grid’s LED Streetlight Conversion program provides support to municipal governments seeking to upgrade their roadway or decorative street lights to LEDs. Between 2019 and 2023, we awarded more than $7 million in incentives, replaced more than 130,000 streetlights, and saved more than 57 million kilowatt-hours of energy. Our website includes information about the program and financing options, as well as information about how local governments can purchase streetlights from us," the release from Paventi said.

"Energy efficiency programs from National Grid provide technical assistance and financial incentives to offset costs of equipment purchases to reduce energy usage at your facilities and assist you in reaching your sustainability goals. National Grid offers specialized programs for nearly every industry. Contact us at energysavings@nationalgrid.com or 1-855-236-7052, or visit ngrid.com/business to learn more."