Chicago, known as the Windy City, completed one of the largest street lighting modernization programs in the United States. This ambitious project, in partnership with leading lighting solutions providers like LEOTEK, is transforming the city’s outdoor lighting landscape.
Enhancing Chicago with State-of-the-Art LED Lighting
The city-wide initiative involved the replacement of over 270,000 outdated High Pressure Sodium (HPS) light fixtures with new, energy-efficient LED lights from LEOTEK. This massive overhaul was not just about installing new light fixtures; it’s about creating a modern lighting management system that streamlines maintenance and repairs, ensuring more reliable and efficient lighting across Chicago.
Smart City Leadership and Operational Efficiency
CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi highlighted the project’s impact, stating, “Creation of the lighting management system puts us in the forefront of smart cities around the nation.” The program not only makes Chicago a greener city but also provides clearer, more reliable nighttime lighting in every neighborhood. The smart lighting management system enhances operational efficiency, enabling quicker response to outages.
Financial and Environmental Benefits
The Chicago Smart Lighting Project, featuring LEOTEK’s GreenCobra luminaire, has already demonstrated significant financial benefits. In 2021, the city cut its energy usage and electric costs for streetlights by more than 50%, saving $8.7 million. Over the first decade of the project, Chicago anticipates saving $100 million, especially with rising energy prices. Additionally, the switch to LED streetlights has earned the city $34 million in rebates from ComEd, the local utility company.
A Sustainable and Safe Future for Chicago
Mayor Lightfoot praised the project, noting its broader impact: “Aside from significantly enhancing public safety, this program has also created jobs for some of our most vulnerable residents, is helping us achieve our climate goal of reducing our carbon footprint, and will deliver major, long-term savings for the city.”
This project is a testament to Chicago’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and public safety. By modernizing its street lighting with LEOTEK’s solutions, Chicago is not only enhancing the quality of life for its residents but also setting a new standard for smart urban development.
