Beginning late summer and early fall, the City of Louisville will begin a five-year phased project with Xcel Energy to convert 1,100 decorative streetlights to dark sky compliant LED fixtures across the community.  The project will build on previous efforts in 2016 that replaced 700 cobrahead streetlights through Xcel’s Colorado LED Streetlight program. We took feedback from the community on the previous conversion and have adjusted the color temperature and brightness.  By 2025, all of Louisville’s remaining streetlights will be dark sky compliant and energy efficient.

“The new LED fixtures will conserve energy and further support the reduction of our community’s light pollution and its impact on our natural habitat,” says Mayor Stolzmann. “As an organization and as a community, we strive to lead by example, and we’re eager to see the streetlight conversions kick off this fall. I thank City staff and Xcel Energy for their ongoing work to make this project come to fruition.”

Why LED?

Light emitting diode (LED) lights are more durable, long lasting and cost-effective than the previously used high-pressure sodium vapor (HPSV) lights. In fact, LED fixtures use up to 60 percent less electricity than HPSV lights and have a longer life, resulting in fewer replacements, less maintenance and better quality street lighting. In pilot projects, LED streetlights have been linked to enhanced public safety because they deliver more visible light and reduced glare. Additionally, they provide an environmental advantage by using less energy.

The Importance of Dark Sky Lighting

Did you know that light can be a pollutant? The inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light – known as light pollution – can have serious environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and our climate. 

Scientific evidence suggests that artificial light at night has negative and deadly effects on many creatures including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects and plants. More than 80 percent of migrating birds travel at night, navigating with the night sky. However, as they pass over big cities on their way they can become disoriented by bright artificial lights and skyglow, causing dangerous exhaustion and increase the likelihood of fatal collisions.

Outdoor lighting is relied on for a variety of needs, including safety. Dark sky lighting does not mean the complete removal of lighting but that lighting be used wisely to minimize the harmful effects of light pollution. Lighting should:

• Only be on when needed
• Only light the area that needs it
• Be no brighter than necessary
• Minimize blue light emissions
• Be fully shielded (pointing downward)

Find Out More

Learn more about the importance of dark skies, compliant outdoor lighting and how you can make a difference at your business or home by visiting the International Dark-Sky Association website.

And don’t forget about your indoor lighting. A single ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulb can save you about $55 in electricity costs over its lifetime and lasts at least 12 years. Take advantage of Xcel Energy rebates and recycle your old bulbs at participating retailers. Go to https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/residential/home-rebates/home-lighting for more information.

Dark Sky Event with Open Space

Dark Sky Monitoring Night Hike with Open Space

Parks and Open Space areas play a vital role in preserving pools of darkness in our urban landscape. Join the Ranger Naturalist(s) for a nighttime hike and an easy science project to measure the impact of Louisville’s Open Spaces in preserving our dark skies.

Saturday, August 7 at 9:30 – 10:30 PM

Davidson Mesa Open Space

Register to Attend