Guelph Council Chambers have been retrofitted with new light emitting diode (LED) lighting to replace bulbs and lamps that have faded or burned out. The three-day retrofit replaced 91 incandescent bulbs and 136 fluorescent lamps for a total cost of $19,870.

The new LED lights will conserve approximately 8,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is roughly the amount of energy used by one household over three months. This change will reduce Council Chambers’ energy costs by about $1,250 per year. In addition, LED lights have a longer life than standard lighting, which will save an additional $5,000 per year in maintenance costs based on 2,000 hours of operation.

LED bulbs use 46 per cent less electricity compared to standard incandescent or fluorescent bulbs or lamps, last longer and require less maintenance. They also produce less waste heat, which will require less energy to cool Council Chambers, further reducing costs. They also provide better light quality, as they are brighter and fade less over time.