Base to replace street, parking lights in energy savings project

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Things will be looking a little brighter on Kirtland in the months to come, as base workers will be replacing street and parking lot lights with brighter, more energy efficient bulbs.

About 470 halide light fixtures on the east side of the base will be replaced with LED fixtures.  According to Susan Gregory, base energy manager, the new fixtures will save the base about $77,000 annually in electricity and replacement costs.

"I'm thrilled about this project," Gregory said. "In addition to the energy cost savings, there will be less light pollution and improved security. People will see a noticeable difference."

Gregory said the project, which will cost $650,000, was reviewed and approved by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center.  She said it's difficult for Kirtland to compete for funding for energy savings projects because the base pays so little for energy compared to other bases. This energy project is the first funded at Kirtland in a very long time, she said.

The LED lights use about half the energy of halide lights, and have greater longevity, lasting about three times as long. The new lights will turn on instantly, not requiring any "heat up" time, and they produce a whiter, brighter light that is more focused, meaning more light will be directed on the areas needing lit and less light will radiate up into the sky.

"That's partly why the lights are more efficient; they are not wasting energy producing light that's not being used where it's intended," Gregory said.

Construction began March 23 and will be completed in mid-May. Lights in base housing will not be changed because it is privatized. Lights in areas under the direction of the Department of Energy, such as Sandia, will also not be affected.