Energy Efficient Traffic Signals Get the Green Light

The city of Agoura Hills will see its 78 pedestrian and 149 old, outdated traffic signals replaced by new, more energy-efficient light emitting diode (LED) models thanks to a $124,741 grant from the California Energy Commission. The improvements should save the city more than $1,700 a year in energy costs and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 5 tons of CO2 a year.

Using America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funds, the Energy Commission approved the Energy Efficient Conservation Block Grant for the city, state Sen. Fran Pavley announced Thursday.

"Lighting improvements can be some of the simplest, quickest energy-efficiency measures a city can implement," said Pavley, who served as Agoura Hills' first mayor and whose district includes the city.  "By using the latest LED technology, Agoura Hills will cut energy waste, cut emissions from power generation and improve public safety with longer-lasting traffic signals."

The Energy Efficient Conservation Block Grants Program focuses on projects that deliver lasting financial benefits to California consumers and the economy through energy efficiency.

The grant to California will provide more than $35 million in direct allocations to the state's eligible small cities and counties—Agoura Hills among them.

The standard life of traffic lights ranges from five to seven years. The signals in Agoura Hills are about 7 years old, according to city engineer Ramiro Adeva.

"The money could not have come at a better time," Adeva said. "The city of Agoura Hills is grateful to be able to use this grant money to improve visibility and save significant energy."

The city expects up to 50 percent energy savings with the new traffic signals, Adeva said, as well as providing the added benefit of improved safety at intersections because the new signals will be more visible to drivers and pedestrians.