Recently, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) gave Xcel Energy approval to install 529 LED streetlights in the city as a two-year test. The company had told the city it would start installation in 2012.
Most Minnesota cities hire Xcel to handle their street lighting. The test will allow the company to gather information on how much they cost to install, how they perform and how long they last, factors that will help Xcel determine how much to charge cities that use them.
The citywide test in West St. Paul will be the largest installation of such streetlights in the state. Robert Street is the only street that won't get the new lights.
Additionally, the results of the test could lead other cities to switch to the energy-saving lights.
