Niagara Falls, New York, is embarking on a transformative journey to modernize its street lighting infrastructure, a project poised to bring economic and environmental benefits. The city council recently approved a $6.6 million contract with Wendel, a firm specializing in architecture, engineering, energy efficiency, and construction management. This contract marks a significant step toward upgrading the city’s street lights to energy-efficient LED technology, furthering the city’s commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility.
The decision to upgrade Niagara Falls’ street lighting infrastructure follows the council’s earlier agreement with National Grid to purchase the city’s street lighting operations. This move, combined with Wendel’s expertise, sets the stage for a comprehensive overhaul to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. The city’s decision to transition to LED street lights is expected to cut energy costs by 50%, a significant saving that underscores the financial viability of energy-efficient technologies.
In addition to the LED upgrade, Niagara Falls is exploring the integration of smart city technology. This innovative approach involves using sensors to collect data in real-time, enabling the city to manage resources more effectively and enhance public services. Integrating smart technology with the LED upgrade improves energy efficiency and positions Niagara Falls as a forward-thinking city that leverages technology for sustainable urban development.
Niagara Falls’ initiative is part of a broader trend across New York State, where cities and municipalities invest in energy-efficient street lighting as a key component of their sustainability strategies.
The state has also replaced streetlights with LED fixtures through the Smart Street Lighting NY program. Additionally, NYSERDA offers rebates and incentives for high-efficiency lighting installations. Product options include the Damohony LED Ceiling Lights, IKEA NYMANE Wall Lamp, and LED New York City Code Emergency Light.
Syracuse has undertaken a similar project, converting over 17,500 street lights to LEDs. Like Niagara Falls, the Syracuse project is expected to save millions of dollars in energy and maintenance costs while reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
The projected savings from Niagara Falls’ LED conversion and street light takeover—estimated at $700,000 annually—demonstrate the substantial financial benefits of such initiatives. These savings are achieved through reduced energy consumption and eliminating costly maintenance fees previously paid to National Grid. By assuming control over its street lighting infrastructure, Niagara Falls is set to achieve long-term cost savings, which can be reinvested into other critical city projects.
