Ontarios Guiding Lights

Street Lighting
Addressing Energy Efficiency & the Environment

Table of Contents
Preface.................................................................................................................................. i
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ ii
Recommendations .............................................................................................................. iii
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1
General Industry Observations ........................................................................................... 2
Report Findings:.................................................................................................................. 3
A) Street Lighting - Typical Load Patterns: ................................................................... 4
B) Awareness of Environmental Aspects: ...................................................................... 7
Landfill Impacts: ......................................................................................................... 7
Light Pollution: ........................................................................................................... 7
C) About the Technologies: .......................................................................................... 10
1) HID Lighting (High Intensity Discharge) ............................................................ 10
2) LED Lighting (Light Emitting Diode).................................................................. 11
3) Induction Lighting ................................................................................................ 12
D) Street Lighting Technology Applications:............................................................... 14
1) HID with Electronic Ballast (HPS lamp) ............................................................. 14
2) Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) ............................................................................. 15
3) Induction Lighting ................................................................................................ 17
E) Economics Considerations: ...................................................................................... 19
Lighting Fixture Alternatives Only No Controls ................................................... 19
F) Energy Performance: ................................................................................................ 20
1) HPS Lamp and Ballast Performance .................................................................... 20
2) LED Performance ................................................................................................. 20
3) Induction Design Performance ............................................................................. 23
G) Factoring in Controls ............................................................................................... 26
H) Fixture Trials ........................................................................................................... 28
I) Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 29
Attachments and References: ............................................................................................ 30

Preface
The timing is most appropriate to re-visit street lighting in Ontario as the existing stock is
within or at useful life expectancy - having been in operation for 20 25 years. Besides
the replacement of fixtures for normal maintenance, streetlights continue to be
implemented in existing and new sub-divisions, major roadways, streets and arteries,
parking, parks, and, commercial / industrial developments. As a result, streetlights are a
major source of electricity consumption in communities across the Province.
A recent report developed in conjunction with the Association of Municipalities (AMO),
the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), and Power Application Group Inc.
(PAGI) noted that street lighting represented approximately 13% of the total electrical
energy consumed by Municipalities - equal to a significant range of 0.9 to 1.0 billion
kilowatt-hours a year. Despite being such a major electrical energy application, street
lighting technologies remain somewhat out of focus for efficiency opportunities.
This project was funded under the Municipal Eco-Challenge Funding Agreement
between the Ministry of Energy (MOE) and Local Authority Services (LAS) to help
inform Ontario municipalitys decision making around existing and new streetlight
applications. The various aspects of street lighting applications are reviewed in terms of
the technological, economic, and environmental performance of current and emerging
technologies.
Testing was arranged with and conducted in the City of Pickering, North Bay, and Trent
Hills. The analysis and organization for products, technology, testing, and results was
conducted by the Power Application Group Inc. (PAGI).
The individual product and technology results were evaluated to:
a)
b)
c)
d)

verify the energy savings and operating life potentials,

assess lighting quality and performance for existing infrastructure,
discuss the environmental impacts, and,
comment on products in regards to meeting Canadian requirements.

Executive Summary
The analysis of utility billing, control technologies, field and laboratory tests of emerging
technologies conducted by this studys authors, has resulted in the following findings:
Energy Savings (technology)

High Pressure Sodium (HPS) with electronic ballast proven & savings at 27%
Light Emitting Diode (LED) did not pass field tests & was not found economical
Induction Lighting products proven & savings at 51%

Operating Cost Impacts (load profile & rate structure)

Lost opportunity costs involve a 20 year operating cycle based on technology life
expectancies
Rate structure for a City of 100,000 people: 19% overall savings potential with
HOEP versus RPP and street lighting accounts for a major portion
Efficiencies gained with new technologies and application of off peak rates for the
actual load profile have positive impacts on operating costs

Maintenance Cost Savings

HPS with electronic ballast - 25% greater operating life over existing HPS
LED not currently assessed due to issues with field trials
Induction projected savings ratio is a 4 to 1 improvement due to extended
operating life of the products
Fixture weights of retrofit options are an important consideration regarding
maintenance cost savings

Environmental Impacts Mitigated

15% of existing street lights diverted yearly from landfill with retrofit models
New Induction assemblies have projected operating life cycles of 100,000 hours
Light pollution is becoming an important design evaluation consideration
HPS operating life projected at 5 to 6 years for new or retrofit alternatives

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Recommendations
1) Action on a province-wide street light replacement program is critical to secure
benefits from energy efficiency, operating savings, and maintenance cost
reductions.
2) Actions are needed immediately or otherwise a lost opportunity cost will
negatively impact the public lasting another 20 year period.
3) Gains are significant environmentally with a program that promotes re-use of
existing street light fixtures where possible, rather than continuing with landfill
programs.
4) The retrofit versus replacement options of various technologies requires full
evaluation based on proven knowledge, allowing longer term decisions for
permanent installations on a cost effective basis.
5) Replacement programs should take into consideration the effects of light pollution
as well as ability of technology to increase safety and security.
6) Newer technologies must quickly focus on meeting Canadian requirements and
standards to support the commercialization of the products.
7) Technical specifications need to be expanded for evaluation processes of existing
infrastructure including generation of Effective Projected Area criteria.
8) A centralized approach would provide effective coordination and guidance for a
re-use / retrofit / replacement program benefiting the public and various industry
participants.

iii

Introduction
Street lighting ensures safety to literally every individual in Ontario by providing guidance and
direction across the vast territories throughout the Province. Individuals have grown accustomed
to driving our streets, rural roads and busy urban thoroughfares, relying on improved visibility
and safety afforded them by generous lighting conditions provided by literally thousands of
street light standards lining the sides and overheads of our roadways. Similarly, the safety and
ability to maneuver along walkways and sidewalks, in both congested and remote areas, is
tremendously enhanced for pedestrians and cyclists. Street lights must be designed therefore to
minimize glare and render enhanced colour recognition to meet peoples visual needs in
observing objects.
The energy efficiency programs of the former Ontario Hydro and the Local Utilities targeted the
complete replacement of existing street lighting with a newer technology during the late 1980s
early 1990s. This new fixture increased efficiency and reduced both electrical energy
consumption and operating costs. The vast majority of these fixture changes replaced mercury
vapour lamps with more energy efficient high pressure sodium lamps in combination with
magnetic ballasts.
Numerous developments have occurred since then in a range of technologies and product
variations that promise not only increased energy efficiency and lower operating cost savings,
but also lower maintenance costs due to longer operating life spans. Other emerging factors
involve concerns over the environmental impact of streetlight fixtures as most existing fixtures
are simply sent to landfill when replaced. In addition, communities also have to balance many
residents desire to maintain a state of natural night time with safety and security concerns for
areas that may require day light conditions for many situations and applications at night.

General Industry Observations

The existing stock of street lighting throughout Ontario is primarily comprised of a cobra head
design with high pressure sodium lamps (HPS) - having a high intensity amber-white light
including minor populations of both low pressure sodium (orange light) and mercury vapour
(white to yellowish light). The existing HPS product lines are typically powered by magnetic
ballasts (also referred to as coil and core) that industry has been gradually wanting to convert to
electronic ballasts for reasons including energy efficiency. Electronic ballasts have been readily
available in business applications such as office lighting for many years and are now present in
virtually all fluorescent lighting applications. The electronic ballast improvement, in combination
with new high pressure sodium lamps, increases the overall efficiency for street lighting and is a
simple means to achieve an economical replacement program that could also significantly reduce
the landfill waste issue.
Products manufactured with state-of-the-art LED - Light Emitting Diodes (white light) and
Induction lighting (crisp white light) technologies are contrasted to the HPS retrofit technology
discussed above as both:
a) existing infrastructure application - pole spacing, support arms / heights, and head
assembly styles; and,
b) complete new product assemblies utilizing manufacturers designs.
This report incorporates a number of ongoing pilot projects to capture the experiences with new
technologies relative to existing street lighting infrastructure and to evaluate the inherent benefits
of the various industry options.1
In addition to the product variations, control technologies including daylight harvesting,
dimming, and load control strategies are also investigated. Similarly, the on-peak and off-peak
energy consumption profiles for street lighting (including seasonality) is discussed to provide
municipalities some guidance on cost saving strategies within current Local Distribution
Company (LDC) billing practices.
All options are evaluated in terms of their technological, economic, and environmental
performance as well as the associated question over how much is too little light or how much is
too much light? While street lighting in the future will be assisted by performance
improvements via new daylight-style technologies (such as new car headlights that feature
white daylight performance), some proponents continue to make the case for increased output
levels for street lighting based on safety and liability as evident in many recently constructed gas
stations. These changes also raise the case of aggravating the light pollution issue.

Of note, when designs are completed, the most utilized lighting standards in the industry typically relate
IES (Illuminating Engineering Standards).

Report Findings:
The findings have been separated into the following sections because they represent topic areas
where knowledge can be gained and / or decisions made individually in pursuit of energy and
operating cost savings:
A)

Street Lighting Typical Load Patterns

B)

Awareness of Environmental Aspects

C)

About the Technologies

D)

Street Lighting Technology Applications

E)

Economic Considerations

F)

Energy Performance

G)

Factoring in Controls

H)

Fixture Trials

I)

Conclusions

A) Street Lighting - Typical Load Patterns:

Street lighting is perhaps the most defined municipal application where the electrical
consumption can be considered as having a totally stable load pattern (kWh) during designated
operating hours for each and every day, year after year. The number of lights and power
requirements stay relatively steady over the nightly operating period. The only real variation is
the quantity of operating hours each evening as determined by the time of the year (i.e. summer
versus winter) and to some degree the weather where photo cell control systems exist (during
dark and stormy time periods). As such, we have very predictable load patterns and energy
values for street lighting that mostly operate during off-peak time periods considering the
provincial generation grid.
Charts #1 & #2 illustrate the 2007 energy consumption plot for North Bay and Trent Hills street
lighting as based on actual bills. The flat line load shape illustrates equal monthly energy use as
based on the existing magnetic ballast / high pressure sodium lamps without any control or
design improvements.
Chart #1 Billing Information

Chart #2 Billing Information

It is worth noting here that these non-metered street lighting profiles exhibit a steady state
operation on a month by month basis despite the fact that winter hours are much longer than
summer hours. Thus, the billing values do not truly represent the actual load profiles. In response
to the plotting of the billing information, both municipalities have taken action to ensure true
representation of rates and profiles applicable to the actual requirements of the street lighting
application. North Bay Hydro has since submitted detailed consumption data and a projected
load profile in 15-minute increments to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and has received
approval for the street lighting application. The illustration below is the curve plotted for the
same data and would be applicable for most municipalities:

Curve #1: Illustration of Operating Hours summer versus winter

Recognition of the off-peak nature of the operating criteria provided the LDC with the option to
bill under Hourly Ontario Electricity Prices (HOEP)meaning off-peak rates versus the current
Regulated Price Plan (RPP) for many municipalities. RPP energy rates have been over 6.0 cents
per kWh while HOEP during street lighting operations average approximately 3 4 cents per
kWh. 2
Graph #1 below shows the savings in changing to HOEP overall can be substantial - 19% for a
Municipality of 100,000 with street lighting contributing a great deal to the load profile and
savings.

At the time of this report, Trent Hills had written to apply for the same approvals from Hydro One and,
the City of Pickering was under rate structure implementation review with Veridian to evaluate possible
savings. Contact LAS for more information on this process.

Graph #1: HOEP versus RPP source IESO / AMO marketplace study

Additional research on how different technologies, including circuit(s) with before and after
metering of energy values, may impact the actual load patterns in North Bay, Trent Hills, and the
City of Pickering continues. The results from the various courses of actions will be examined
within the economic and performance framework to be provided to LAS for periodic updates to
the member municipalities.

B) Awareness of Environmental Aspects:

Landfill Impacts:
The majority of operators and maintenance firms current street light replacement method is to
simply remove the aluminum body, lamp, and glass lens face as an assembly and replace it with
a complete new head assembly one to one replacement of the same design. The old street
light head is returned to the shop where it is placed in the garbage for shipment to landfill. The
initial cost of the cobra head is disregarded because the as is process is viewed as
straightforward, timely, and economically effective.
The high pressure sodium and magnetic ballast street light assemblies operated initially with a
high reliability factor and failure rates that would be considered very low (in the 1% range)
during the startup and early operating years. As time has marched on (20 25 years has passed
since the last major retrofit operation), the failure rate has grown tremendously due to the end of
normal life expectancy for the head assembly. Given estimates as high as 15% yearly
replacement rates, the Ontario marketplace is faced with replacement actions that if not corrected
will result in a very significant environmental impact. While precise environmental cost impacts
are not available for this type of review as policy standards vary, section E provides some
guidance to individual municipalities.

Light Pollution:
Light pollution concerns center around disruption to ecosystems due to excess and obtrusive
light as described by numerous efforts to address dark-sky. The most obvious sources of this
type of pollution tend to be outside advertising signs, street lighting, and facilities with outdoor
illumination from commercial, industrial and sporting sites. This report does not tackle health
concerns (headaches, stress, and so on) related to lighting as most research indicated that this is
more of an indoor-environment issue.
Light pollution includes: a) light trespass from one area into another that is not owned by the
same person / company and, is not wanted; b) over-illumination caused by misapplication of
technologies or poor designs with higher than required wattage / light output; c) glare caused by
selecting the wrong light source for an application (too bright, poor colour rendering for objects,
or badly focused for example); d) clutter caused by the overlap of two or more light sources that
can also be of multiple strengths and style; and e) sky glow referring to the result of many of the
previous issues exhibiting inefficiency and poor designs with waste light projected skyward.
While it is obvious to consider energy efficiency in the context of light pollution, the disruption
to the environment and eco-systems is only beginning to be defined. The design and energy

efficiency of street lighting offers opportunities to mitigate light pollution as evidenced from
Chart #33:

No light directed at or above the horizontal plane; little or

no light at angles typically associated with glare.

Negligible light directed at horizontal plane less than

2.5% of lamp lumens directed above horizontal
plane.

Slightly more light permitted at horizontal plane than in

cutoff distribution less than 5% of lamp lumens directed
above horizontal plane.

Considerable light above the horizontal plane.

Light pollution is offered here as a topic of interest noting the impact to the vast amount of
fixtures changes that will take place but is not the subject of the efficiency and performance of
the report.

Exhibit #1

Exhibit #2

Exhibit #3

Exhibit #4

The exhibits above outline the desired light production from fixtures versus the type of effects
from angled fixtures, or over-lap and over-lighting designs.4
Exhibit 1 illustrates no light above the horizontal plane and a positive dispersion of light
covering a wide area at the street level where the intensity of the light is where it is needed;

Options available from Pacific Gas & Electric:

http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/customerservice/otherrequests/streetoutdoorlighting/aboutlightpollution/
4

Reference available at: http://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=59813.

Exhibit 2 illustrates two light fixtures designed with no light above the horizontal plane, light
at the street level, and no over-lap of light coverage;
Exhibit 3 illustrates a common practice where street light fixtures are angled to achieve wider
coverage creating significant light above the horizontal plane (source of sky glare); and,
Exhibit 4 illustrates the effect of street lighting with angled fixtures and significant over-lap of
light coverage causing sky glare and use of more energy than necessary.
Without further product trials and education regarding marketplace options, the environmental
aspects will continue to be destructive without intervention. Dealing with such issues now will
prove more effective and beneficial than costly alterations latter, especially in view of the near
term replacement needs within the province due to the age of our existing street lighting
infrastructure.

C) About the Technologies:

All of the lamp products investigated herein were sourced either directly and indirectly from
China reflecting the current lighting manufacturing supply focus. Most of the original LED and
Induction technologies were designed in Europe and more recently, pilot project have occurred
in the USA and in Canada.
The retrofit projects implemented for this report would apply to the bulk of the installed street
lighting fixture volumes - a style known as the cobra head. The main operating elements and
components of the cobra head fixture are very similar despite the various models, lens styles,
manufacturers, and features in existence. The fundamental rational for the testing is to consider
the use of existing infrastructure to gain on efficiency without incurring major capital costs
involved in moving poles, changing arm design or heights, and allowing the re-use of fixture
assemblies as much as possible. Designer street lighting is more random and has not been a
major focus of this report due to its confinement mostly to newer sub-divisions or park areas.

1) HID Lighting (High Intensity Discharge)

High Intensity Discharge fixtures have been predominant throughout Ontario and continue to be
the work horse of the street lighting industry. The fixture bodies are typically aluminum and
lamp construction consists of glass lens enclosures, filaments or electrodes, gas filled, and lamp
coatings of various types. The basic HID lamps styles are metal halide, low pressure sodium,
high pressure sodium, and mercury vapour. While all variations of these products are known to
be in street lighting applications, high pressure sodium lamps (HPS) are the dominant application
as few low pressure sodium and metal halide installations still operate. HID lighting is often
referred to as a light source by point providing a reference for future discussions on coverage
with the various styles and models shown below in Figures #5 to 8:

10

Figures #5 to 8: HID Lamp Variations

2) LED Lighting (Light Emitting Diode)

Light Emitting Diode lighting has evolved rapidly due its high efficiency, compact size, and
instant-on capabilities. LEDs are basically chips comprised of layers of semi-conducting
materials that operate individually or in groups as configured into a lens (this latter variation
applies to street lighting designs). LEDs emit light as current flows through the chips (or
junctions) in a specific positive to negative direction and with an associated colour depending on
the metal used. White light is usually created by combining red, green, and blue, or as found
mostly today, coating a blue LED with yellow phosphor. LEDs also operate at lower voltages
than the normal street lighting supply of 120 / 240 volt and as such require a heat conducting
material to dissipate the heat generated in transformation done within the LED lamp
configuration. LEDs have their best applications in situations where directional light patterns are
required or are acceptable referred to as a light source by projection - because they do not
typically rely on reflectors or diffusers. Illustration #1 below shows how the design creates the
actual light source of a single diode:5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode#Physical_principles

11

Illustration #1: LED Diode Design, Size and Intensity

3) Induction Lighting
Induction lights have virtually no lamp parts to wear out because they do not utilize traditional
electrodes or filaments, but instead utilize a magnetic field to excite gases to transmit energy. As
a result, the induction design is considered well suited for applications with vibration or gusty
wind conditions such as street lighting. Induction lighting is very energy efficient and has an
extremely long life expectancy projected at 100,000 hours. There are currently three physical

12

arrangements with the following main components: generator, power coupler, and lamp. Instant
on and low heat producing qualities are also key critical advantages. Applications that benefit
from longer operational life due to high maintenance costs (for example where special lifts are
required to service high lobbies, street lighting, etc.) will especially benefit from induction lamps
due to their expected long lifespan. The available circular, linear, or linear combination styles are
shown below in Illustration #2:6
Illustration #2 Induction Lamp Styles for Street Lighting

Courtesy of www.uslightingtech.com

13

D) Street Lighting Technology Applications:

The main opportunity available to owners and operators of street lighting becomes a matter of
making an informed decision when faced with higher maintenance costs and poor efficiency due
to the age of the equipment. Significantly higher energy efficiencies are now available with
newer technologies and longer operating life products that will improve overall performance in
terms of both the amount of energy used and the environmental consequences. The effects of
non-action are continued higher billing and operating costs plus environmental damage from
landfill of old fixtures, light pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The discussion that follows
outlines the state of options currently available to owners and operators of street lighting.
Pilot project participants identified the existing stock of HID oriented street lights (the vast
majority) as the most expedient and expected area to gain from the benefits of energy efficiency.
Required changes to any of the fixed physical designs for existing stock (the current system of
poles, spacing, arms, anchors, lens, fixture weights, designed to support an established light
output that meets the Effective Projected Area rating) would be considered a major barrier to
implementation because capital costs would far outweigh energy and maintenance cost savings.

1) HID with Electronic Ballast (HPS lamp)

Initial tests have been conducted in North Bay with two versions of this lamp designed to re-use
the existing cobra head (aluminum body and glass lens). The old parts were removed (lamp and
ballast) and retrofitted with:
a) one version utilizing the existing cobra head with a special bracket attached to the frame
including a new electronic ballast designed for the plug-in style lamp; and,
b) a second version that incorporated a new adapter to accept the screw-in style lamp with
an integral electronic ballast in the lamp assembly.
Both of these modified fixtures experienced challenges. Version A was severely impacted by
weather as the gasket became the source of water leakage and ultimately premature ballast and
lamp failure, a result of the cobra head assembly retrofit occurring at the pole location with the
lift truck maintenance crew. However, this issue was later overcome by an outside supplier that
had a properly outfitted repair / retrofit facility. Weight implications proved dramatic for Version
B as the support arms came loose both at the pole and at the fixture after minimal usage.
Although this problem was solved by installing a more expensive bracket and support changes at
the pole, it was eliminated longer term as a possible alternative due to the added cost and safety
factors.
Despite having their challenges, both fixture installations enjoyed extremely positive energy
savings ranging from 27 - 56% and costs averaged $250 per fixture. The savings range is due to

14

a multiple variety of wattage choices that replaced the existing 150 or 175 watt units (typical
wattages around the province) with 90 - 120 watt lamps.7

2) Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

LED technology is widely known to be the best replacement technology for traffic lights and exit
signs in buildings because it can produce significant energy savings over a 24 hour / 365 day
operating time period. These applications are ideal due to the extremely long operating hours (at
50,000 hours are considerably more than current street lighting) and without any performance
loss due to the directional nature of the light. Welland, Toronto, and North Bay have all had
recent experiences with LED street lighting applications. While the analysis of these three
applications is not yet complete for publication and, while the suggested energy savings are quite
significant, there are still a number of issues that have yet to be resolved and are critically
important to long term decisions. For the purposes of this report, these three sites / applications
allow some valued comment on the LED applications at this point in time.
i.

The City of Welland installed 40 LED fixtures along one street and asked residents to
comment on the new light quality full evaluation will be available within a few months.
The energy and maintenance operating cost savings have been estimate at 50% with a 3
5 year payback (see article in Appendix #2). Initial comments revolve around the
installation angle of the rectangular fixtures where the light output is aimed at an angle
across the street versus the typical downward direction for the cobra head causing light
trespass. Similarly, the commercial mall (on the back side of the light standard) could be
considered having light clutter and found the need to increase light levels at their
premises to let customers know they are open.

ii.

The City of Toronto recently conducted a project evaluation at the CNE grounds that
resulted in the selection of HID - HPS over LED because a significant increase in lamp
and pole population was required to get the light output coverage as specified for the
application level. The limited coverage of the light source in this case meant that the
space between poles was reduced (increasing the quantity of poles) and the fixture
assemblies physically adjusted to get the actual output requirements. When all factors
were considered, three to four time more LED poles and fixtures would have been
required.8

iii.

The City of North Bay recently installed two 45 watt LED screw-in lamps (in place of
150 watt lamps) and established the wattage based on the physical limitations of the
existing fixtures and supplier coverage recommendations. The size and weight became
important noting the LDC did not want to have the added cost of replacing fixtures. The

Wattage selection was determined by location as side streets accommodated lower wattage without
complaints from residents than did the downtown core.
8

This feedback was provided verbally by a consultant familiar with the project who noted that application
specifications are very critical when considering new technologies.

15

light output was considered totally unacceptable (details follow) and more importantly,
maintenance crews decided that the heat dissipation issue was not practically solved with
no mechanism in the retrofit fixture to address the major heat buildup. Picture #1 below
illustrates the very predominate dark spot between the 2 LED lights (whiter lights)
versus the wider spread of the HPS lights. Noting that physical changes to the fixtures,
pole spacing / heights or otherwise would be necessary to remedy the problems, the LED
lamps at 45 watts were abandoned as a solution.9 An earlier test that utilized new 30
watt lamp fixtures to replace 70 watt HPS (see product literature in attachment #6) was
conducted with even poorer results. A further test utilized new 60 watt fixtures
(improving on the 45 watt units) where once again the dark spot issue prevailed.
Moreover, the actual wattage readings for this model were much higher than the nominal
lamp wattage (86 input versus the 60 rating of the LED). Further tests are expected for
the 250 and 400 watt HPS versions with LED comparisons in the near future. There
would seem to be various measuring and proposal methodologies applicable to LED
manufacturers and proper evaluation is urged on all the values. Noted also is the lack of
common standards for comparison of various manufacturers (found in normal HPS
specifications) for street lightingtraditional standards (such as EPA) and rating of
performance with a combined pole and fixture are lacking.

Work is underway on possible new head designs for replacements that overcome weight concerns for
existing cobra head support arms and that can dissipate the heat. Longer time periods of installed
applications will be required to evaluate the performance impacts due to the heat issue

16

Picture #1: North Bay 2 x 45 watt LED with dark spot

The vast majority of replacement fixtures targeted for energy efficiency implementation have set
distances between poles and fixed height locations for the fixtures. As implied with the project
descriptions above, current LED product offerings are subject to weaker than expected light
output at the application level meaning distance between poles needs to be narrowed and heights
reduced. This has been adamantly refused by the user groups as impractical and very costly for
existing locations. Of interest, one Ontario University has successfully employed LEDs in a pilot
test area but will not employ them campus-wide due to the extremely high cost of $1,600 per
fixture.

3) Induction Lighting
While there is currently limited product offerings commercially in Canada, induction lighting is
extremely promising given its high efficiency and very long operating life projected at 100,000
hours. Typical wattages are 40 through 100, and for the purposes of this research, a retrofit to
100 watts has been sourced for the three earlier sites and will be tested as a replacement for the
150 watt HPS noting light production meets the requirements in all regards according to the
performance charts. A complete replacement cobra head design has been sourced as there will be
a large portion of the longer term requirements for this version.

17

In addition, and subsequent to the initialization of these test sites, the City of Cobourg has
become the first City in North America to commit to 100% induction for street lighting with the
100 watt version (some 2,330 fixtures). The information in the report is based on 5 initial fixtures
put into operation early in 2008. Industry sources suggest that field modification of existing
fixtures to induction may not be appropriate and that a dedicated shop environment having
quality control would best facilitate retrofit application possibilities due to possible issues such
as experienced with gaskets on the HPS.
The results from Cobourg have indicated that the energy savings are significant as the reduction
from the 205 watt ballast and HPS lamp to 100 watts for the induction head resulted in a 51%
energy savings. Present evaluations performed and supplied by Lakefront Lighting Inc. revolve
around a 5 6 year period for maintenance on their current HPS fixtures to a 20 year life span
for the induction versions (4 to 1 improvement ratio). The CRI (colour rendering index) and
higher colour temperatures of induction lamps, has also been found much safer noting the greater
ability to observe objects. This is not a retrofit application of existing fixtures and thus none of
the previous retrofit installation issues have been experienced. Taking the maintenance and
energy costs into consideration, the fixture costs were evaluated at under $600 each.

Picture #2: Induction street lights in Cobourg

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E) Economics Considerations:

Lighting Fixture Alternatives Only No Controls

Longer life products, operating costs savings and paybacks are absolutely essential in providing
solid solutions for an industry known to benefit from reliable and economic solutions.
The table below states the nominal cost and life expectancy for (L) lamps and (B) ballasts found
during the research. The ratings are industry averages according to set formulas:10
Table #1: Cost Comparisons
Existing Magnetic Existing Fixture
Ballast & HPS
HPS Lamp &
Lamp
Electronic
Replacement
Ballast Retrofit

LED - New Head

Replacement Plug
or Screw

Induction - New Head

Replacement

$150

$250

$450-$1600

$300-$600

L 24,000 hrs

L 30,000 hrs

50,000 hrs

100,000 hrs

B 60,000+ hrs

B 60,000+ hrs

Included

10

N/A

It is worth noting that experience with some existing ballasts has been upwards of 70,000 hours and the prime
rational for action now is that they are failing in vast numbers.

19

F) Energy Performance:
1) HPS Lamp and Ballast Performance
The independent Life Sciences Canada Laboratory was selected to test and measure the electrical
consumption of a Philips 150 watt HPS lamp combined with electronic ballast supplied by
RomLight. The results indicated a 97% power factor and consumption of 136.7 watts. Given that
the conventional magnetic ballast version (coil and core) has a rating of 189.0 watts, the net
savings result due to the electronic ballast is then 52.3 watts - equivalent to a 27% energy
savings.
The 150 watt HPS lamp is the most dominate street lighting fixture in operation across the
province. A one for one lamp fixture replacement was implemented as an initial field test in
North Bay to ensure there would be no light output discrepancies due to lamp / ballast rating.
The results from the site measurements provided a comparison with an existing magnetic ballast
fixture (in operation for approximately 5-6 years) that had 1.68 foot candles. The new electronic
ballast unit recorded readings of 2.40 foot candles (same lamp wattage and light distribution
pattern). While this represents a significant improvement in value, the age of the existing lamp
would have meant a degree of light output deterioration had already taken place. There is no
reason to suspect the light output would be significantly different with either magnetic or
electronic ballast. The important results are the verification of the major energy savings and the
fact that there was improvement to light output during the retrofit (both were expected results).
The electronic ballast has an additional benefit in this situation because it can be pre-set to
establish lower light levels meaning lower energy (as in North Bay where the retrofit had higher
results than existing light levels). Care must be exercised in this approach as light output for HID
declines after only six months of operation and continues to deteriorate with extended life a
longer test period is required to prove the capacity of existing fixtures to match pre-set new ones.

2) LED Performance
The following LED assemblies were tested in North Bay:
1) two screw in lamp / ballast combinations were selected and retrofitted to an existing site
with a rating of 45 watts each, and,
2) two complete new head assemblies were installed for each of 30 and 60 watt versions
Of note, larger versions of LED fixtures are planned to compare to 250 and 400 watt HPS.
Both application sites were originally 150 watt HPS with magnetic ballasts. These wattage
ratings were selected to allow the existing poles to handle the weight of the alterations. Anything
larger was considered too heavy for existing support components.

20

LED Results
a) The weight of the 45 watt LED lamp (screwin model) was the initial cause of added
field maintenance requirements. Vibrations, as well as the heat / cool cycle and ultimate
heat load conditions caused the lamps to become loose in the sockets. Heat is created
through the transformation of supply voltage to the LED light creation at lower voltages.
The added vibration (due in part to the weight / wind as suggested by the maintenance
crew) caused the complete head and arching arm assembly to become loose at the pole
where it is attached for support. This supports the recommendation to have EPA figures
available for evaluation purposes at the outset where the effects of wind are taken into
consideration. Another major concern was if only one (or even a few) of the diodes fail,
the lamp must be replaced in total there is no way to replace individual components
with the lamp style used. Heat dissipation has been recognized as an issue to longer term
operating periods but cannot be quantified without extended field testing.
b) North Bay then conducted foot-candle tests of the 2 - 45 watt LED head assemblies with
mixed results. Light output measurements revealed the LEDs had a better illumination
directly in front of the pole (1.45 foot-candles versus 1.05 foot-candles for the existing
HPS) as taken in the middle of the road. However, the sideways light degradation of the
LED was greater than the HPS and it quickly led to darker shadow zones between the
lights as noted by City officials. Numerically, taken at the same distance (21 meters) and
location, light readings were taken between the 2 LED lights at 0.2 foot-candles whereas
the reading between 2 HPS lights was 0.4 foot-candles. The energy values became
irrelevant at this point as the products were deemed unsatisfactory for continuous use by
City and Hydro officials. It should be also be noted that for the 30 (hoping top replace 70
watt HPS) and 60 watt (hoping to replace 150 watt HPS) versions of new head
assemblies, the energy values were higher than expected and lighting measurements did
not reach the mediocre values noted above. Both of these wattages and fixture styles were
also deemed unsatisfactory.
c) Similar to the second North Bay installation, the LED replacement project in Welland
was staged with all new LED heads rated at 90 watts (40 units). Savings under this
scenario compared to the conventional 175 watt HPS have been projected to be 47%.
Performance details continue to be tracked for formal release in a few months but the
photo below illustrates the angled fixture creating the type of light pollution issue
that has been referenced earlier.

21

Picture #3 Welland LED street light angled fixture

Picture #4 Optional flat surface LED street light

22

3) Induction Design Performance

The data from the City of Cobourg / Lakefront Lighting Inc. has supported the testing program
initialized at the time of this report with North Bay, Pickering and Trent Hills. The most
conservative 100 watt induction fixtures (5000 degree temperature) were selected to replace
existing 150 watt HPS similar to those employed in Cobourg. The energy savings are estimated
at 61.8% / 54.0% for 80 and 100 watt respectively, but the CRI (colour rendering index) jumped
from HPS at 21 to up over 80 for the Induction fixtures.
Table #2 summarizes the energy savings versus the base case comparison 150 watt HPS with
magnetic ballasts (195 watts total).
Table #2 Energy Savings (versus 150 watt HPS plus magnetic ballast)
Technology Activity

Status

Energy Savings
Percentages

HPS 150 watt retrofit with electronic ballast

Laboratory &
filed tests proven
in North Bay

27% proven
Weather issues resolved

LED new 90 watt fixture replacement

Welland installed
North Bay July

LED new 60 watt fixture replacement input wattage 85 required for 60 watt LED
LED screw-in 45 watt head assembly retrofit
measured 42 watts with high heat issues
LED new 30 watt fixture replacement input
specified as 34 watts & measured at 36 watts
Induction new 100 watt assembly for installation in North Bay, Pickering &
Trent Hills
Induction new 100 watt assembly installed
in Cobourg

Field tests
unsatisfactory in
North Bay
Field tests
unsatisfactory in
North Bay
Field tests
unsatisfactory in
North Bay
Future tests
for July/August
Field tests
completed

23

Welland projected at 47%

with environmental issues
North Bay projected 53.8%
86 watts for 55.8% savings
however failure due to light
output & coverage on test
76% savings measured but
failed light output &
coverage during test
84% savings measured but
failed light output &
coverage during test

48.7% projected
51.2% proven

Table #3 highlights the main design criteria11 of the individual technologies which illustrates a
balance must be struck between light output as efficacy12 and the Colour Rendering Index (CRI)
sensitivity.13 These factors also need to be considered to meet safety, security, and liability
concerns in conjunction with related efficiency, operating cost, and environmental requirements.

Table #3: Performance Characteristics Compared

Measure
HPS
Induction
LED
Efficacy
110
85
45
Lumens
CRI
21
80
75
Index

Colour rendition is a measure of how colours appear when illuminated by a light source. Many
objects are not one colour and thus light sources are best if they can identify the complete object
without changing it. In other words, some light sources (lamps) are deficient in certain colours.
Essentially, the CRI measures the ability of a light source (on a scale of 1 100) to render
colours in the same way sunlight does. The top scale is 100 and refers to illumination by a 100
watt incandescent light source noting a rating of 80 or above is satisfactory for residential
indoors.
Colour temperature takes the analysis one step further and is a measure of the colour of the light
source. Bluegreen like colours are considered cool whereas yellowred like colours are
considered warm the latter is best for residential applications where objects and people require
multiple colours. Chart #4 below outlines colour (Kelvin) of the various light sources:14

11

Figures are averages of published data.

12

Efficacy here refers to the efficiency of light produced expressed as lumens to energy consumed
expressed as watts - measured in lumens per watt.
13

The higher the Colour Rendering Index (CRI), the better an objects colour appears to a persons eye.

14

Courtesy of MediaCollege

24

Chart #4: Colour Temperatures

Table #3 indicates that the current workhorse of the street lighting industry does not fare well
against newer technologies in colour rendering (21 for HPS versus 75 for LED and 80+ for
Induction) but the reverse is true in terms of efficacy. If street lighting output is increased, the
solution may actually revolve around the type of light source (better colour temperatures) rather
than simply increasing the wattages as one would normally assume.
On the other hand, the LED rating for efficacy (measured in lumens) at 45 is well below HPS at
110 and Induction at 85. One lumen is the measure of the amount of light emitted on one square
foot area. While some Asian LED manufacturers are promising to surpass the 100 efficacy mark,
no such product existed at the time of these trials.

25

G) Factoring in Controls
The control aspects will impact all of the products discussed with only minor variations in
performance (and thus will be applied equally to the options). The three main alternatives
available for street lighting are:
1. individual light harvesting with a photocell sensor on each fixture (common today),
2. scheduling individual circuits of multiple fixtures through time of use with or without
photocell sensors,
3. power line carrier control that addresses individual fixtures (allowing independent circuit
control as well).
Control strategies with set on / off times and seasonality (time of use) scheduled into the
equation are currently in operation, meaning fixed usage is employed throughout the year. This
type of scheduling scheme will work well except for weather events that involve severely cloudy
conditions or storms. Areas could easily be left without any street lighting under poor weather
conditions that could only be remedied by a manual switching of street lighting circuit. This type
of control does not provide an optimum approach for energy savings in view of the overall
limitations. These control systems are typically hard wired contactors and are considered very
rigid due to the fixed nature of the timing set points.
The literature on light harvesting (photocell) suggests that savings between 10 15% can be
expected. This analysis is based on nominal operating figures of approximately 4,250 hours per
year. Yet, this type of control would only be useful for streetlights during sunset and sunrise
which amounts to 3 - 4 hours per day during spring and summer and 1 - 2 hours per day during
fall and winter. Applying these values to the nominal street light operating period translates into
approximately 12% of the time where savings could be achieved through control. However, the
potential for adverse weather conditions during this time frame mandates an allowance of 20%
for poor conditionswhich means light harvesting is only appropriate for 9.6% of the total
operating hours.
To assist in the quantification of energy saving amounts, field tests for an office building system
where support could be found to calculate the expected values due to daylight harvesting were
referenced. This application consisted of a lux sensor (similar to a photocell) on the two outside
rows of light fixtures exposed to large areas of clear window glass. The net result was 4% during
the summer test period. Projections from the test indicated that winter values would be half at
2% due to the shorter daylight period and generally duller weather conditions producing an
average of 3%.
On average then, the two key factors for harvesting are an estimated 9.6% time period over the
year where applicable, and a 3% average energy savings from the application. Based on the
original hourly range noted above, the harvesting impact can be approximated at between 0.3 and
0.5%. Applications with day time operating hours such as an office building have greater savings
values for this technology due to the total daylight operating hours. Street lighting results would
be even less due to lower operating hours under this methodology.

26

Alternatively, new dimming technologies have a harvesting approach as well. These applications
involve dimming light levels (with similar savings as noted above) and lower light output values
when traffic and pedestrian activities are minimal or even zero. The dimming technology is
automatic (power line carrier) and does produce impressive results as proven in office building
lighting. The key components to this style of operation are dimming ballasts and a control
mechanism that can direct the dimming to levels acceptable for the circumstances. For example,
if 100% light output is standard now in areas where there is no activity between 2:00 a.m. 5:00
a.m., an adjustment to a 60% light level would achieve an energy savings between 5% --9%.
This type of system would also have the advantage of allowing a new replacement fixture to be
controlled to the light levels of the fixture being replaced. The output of the existing fixture after
operating for a long period of time would have deteriorated significantly, yet may in fact be
within the requirements of the site. Controlling through dimming of the new fixture lowers the
light level accordingly and saves energy. Similarly, dimming of individual fixtures would
provide some degree of control to address issues related to light pollution. Another strategy
would be to alternate every other light standard to off during none activity and made possible
by receiving an automatic power line command under pre-set conditions. Once again, energy
savings are possible that would vary from 5% to 50% depending on the actual off time period.
While the technology is available, concerns over personal safety, security, and associated
liabilities have currently limited possible test sites.

27

H) Fixture Trials
Analysts from Power Application Group (PAGI) coordinated with North Bay, Pickering, and
Trent Hills to test the following:
A. Field Testing and Products for Evaluation:
o HPS 150 watt with electronic ballast 12 fixtures ordered for North Bay installation.
o 30 watt LED new fixtures 2 fixtures ordered for installation in North Bay.
o 45 watt LED screw-in fixtures 2 fixtures ordered: for installation in North Bay.
o 60 watt LED new fixtures 2 fixtures ordered for installation in North Bay
o 90 watt LED replacement fixtures 2 fixtures ordered for installation in North Bay.
o 100 watt Induction fixtures 18 complete fixtures ordered: for installation: 6 each at
the North Bay, Pickering, and Trent Hills locations.
B. Labour / Monitoring:
o The local sites are expected to install the retrofit or new fixtures into their own
systems and provide maintenance and feedback as required within their own budgets.
o PAGI ordered the equipment and provided the necessary retrofit fixtures to provide a
central and consistent approach to the alterations.
o PAGI supplied metering / monitoring equipment to determine the energy savings
amounts as well as the quantification of the light outputs for the various comparisons
- before and after evaluations.
C. Controls:
o The harvesting aspect was integrated into the 90 watt LED testing noting that the
same principles and results would apply to the all of the technologies. The tests failed
due to equipment weight and will be added to another test site.
D. Results:
o The above field trials and measurements summarized the energy consumption data,
light output characteristics, as well as installation techniques, issues and feedback.

28

I) Conclusion
Early laboratory and field tests have suggested opportunities to meet the growing need for
replacement of existing street lighting across the province. The energy savings potential and
environmental benefits represent an immediate and visual mechanism for municipalities to
establish leadership while enjoying operating and maintenance cost savings.
The two key findings supported in this report are:
A retrofit solution exists to todays HPS fixture replacement programs that enhances
energy efficiency and mitigates environmental issues. The conversion of existing HPS
technology to electronic ballasts in existing heads is very attractive economically, proven,
practical, and available in large volume,. The energy savings are 27% and the landfill
issue is mitigated with retrofit to existing fixtures. The potential to lower ballast output to
match light levels may extend energy savings even higher through use of pre-set ballasts
or PLC dimming ballast control systems.
The significant energy savings for LED and Induction street lighting stated in the product
design evaluations have been verified by actual field testing. Induction products have
proven acceptable as a new fixture retrofit and thus landfill issues remain until a cobra
head retrofit version can be assessed. Current LED products proved to be unsatisfactory
as an economic application to existing infrastructure due to light output and coverage
weakness.
Two concerns emerged during the field tests that should be factored into street lighting design
decision making: landfill waste from existing fixtures and light pollution from streetlight spillover. All three technologies discussed herein are suitable for complete assembly replacements
but this would cause large amounts of old equipment to go to landfill. While some portion of
existing fixtures would not be suitable for retrofit due to wear and tear, all project participants
suggested that leadership in this area must include paying attention to related environmental
issues. Similarly, the CRI of the different applications should also be factored into design as
induction lighting may not be suitable for all sub-divisions (having a white light effect with a
CRI of 80) but may be welcomed on major urban thoroughfares. Alternatively, white LEDs may
be suitable for public walkways in parks (at a CRI of 75) where lower head / closer pole
configurations are easily accommodated versus the existing infrastructure.

29

Attachments and References:

Front Cover: Top Left Circular style Induction Fixture
Top Right Linear style Induction Fixture
Bottom HPS typical style Cobra Head
Page 4:

Charts #1 & #2: Billing Histories developed by Power Application Group Inc.

Page 5:

Curve #1: Data supplied from North Bay Hydro and curve developed by Power
Application Group Inc.

Page 6:

Graph #1: IESO Brochure The Bottom Line on Managing Your Electricity
Costs: A guide for Municipalities

Page 8:

Chart #3: Obtained from Pacific Gas and Electric noted web site.

Page 8:

Exhibits #1 to #4: Obtained from Association of Dark Sky web site

Page 11:

Figures #5 to #8: Obtained from Ontario Hydro lighting manual.

Page 12:

Illustration #1: LED component profile from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightemitting_diode#Physical_principles

Page 13:

Illustration #2: Induction styles circular and linear from US Lighting Tech

Page 17:

Picture #1 - North Bay LED test site

Page 18:

Picture #2 - Cobourg Induction test site

Page 22:

Pictures #3 & 4 - LED fixture Welland & Lighting Research New York

Page 25:

Chart #4 Colour temperatures courtesy MediaCollege

Tables 1-3:

Developed by Power Application Group Inc.

Attachment #1)
Attachment #2):
Attachment #3):
Attachment #4):

Attachment #5):
Attachment #6):

Lighting Sciences Canada Electronic Ballast / 150 watt HPS Test Data
Report by the city of North Bay regarding LED street lighting acting as
deterrence to shag fly issues.
Article concerning LED retrofit in Welland noting the project details.
Performance measurements regarding lighting retrofit applications at an
office building noting in particular the effects of dimming and lux sensor
results for energy savings during control strategies produced by Power
Application Group Inc.
Power Application Group Inc (PAGI) Overview
North Bay 30 watt LED fixture trial

30

Attachment #1 Lighting Sciences Canada 150 HPS & Electronic Ballast Test Data

31

Attachment #2 City of North Bay Shag Fly Report

32

33

34

Attachment #3 News Article concerning LED retrofit in Welland

35

36

Attachment #4 Power Application Group Inc. Lighting Retrofit Results Lighting Control Option

37

Attachment #5 Power Application Group Inc. (PAGI) Overview

Our company Power Application Group Inc. (PAGI) enters the fifth year of activity and has
been created with the background, knowledge, and experience of over sixty years in domestic
and international markets, working with commercial, institutional, residential and industrial
customers to achieve sustainable energy efficiency results and operating cost savings. We have a
history of partnering with customers to develop and implement both conventional and innovative
energy solutions that includes experience allowing the transformation of market segments to
achieve their full energy management potential. We have a proven track record as an effective
and reliable team that delivers results. Some of our current activities include:
Site evaluations with both program and product evaluations implemented with best
engineering practices and applications from the audit, through evaluation, contract
development, project management, to site operation and incentive recovery.
Energy efficiency equipment and electrical system upgrades for computer rooms, site
distribution systems, power quality analysis, transformation, pumping, metering, lighting,
etc. and re-commissioning of operating systems and controls.
Metering systems with revenue based sub-metering systems and installation for
continuous monitoring, billing and verification programs, power quality, and reporting
functions (commercial office buildings, institutional sites, and industrial plants / process
equipment).
Transforming the Ontario College sector to acknowledged leading energy management
practices through a centralized Energy Secretariat role and function dating over a seven
year timeframe.
Working with government ministries and related organizations on reporting, fact finding,
funding initiatives and program development.
Development of the IESO / AMO market sector report establishing market size and
application details.
Our team on this project included:
Laurie Trewartha P. Eng, 35 years experience working in both domestic and international
energy markets including Ingersoll Rand, SA Armstrong, Ontario Hydro and Ontario Hydro
International.
Chris Trewartha P. Eng. (EIT), extensive background in utility metering, data aggregation /
analysis, real time energy monitoring / reporting, and installations.
Bob Hickson P. Eng. Over 30 years in project management / equipment installations noting
process situations requiring ongoing production and requiring energy efficient solutions.
Joel Arthurs BES, extensive background in environmental studies, excellent understanding of
municipal operating and political environments
Morgan Jeffery - College Certificate in communications noting experience in interview
scheduling, data input / analysis and application review.

38

Attachment #6 30 watt LED fixture trial at North Bay

39