Much to the satisfaction of residents, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has installed energy efficient streetlights along the Timehri Highway, on the Ease Bank of Demerara.
Nalini Sukhal, a vendor on the Timehri Highway
This project was executed at the cost of $2.1 million, with the hope of having residents better understand different energy efficient street lighting technologies.
The exercise saw the GEA replacing 37 high pressure sodium vapour (HPSV) street lamps with energy efficient induction lamps between Bounty Farm and the Timehri Police Outpost. The replaced lamps rated at 250 watts each while the new lamps are rated much lower at some 120 watts each, thus resulting in lower energy consumption.
The new lamps also come equipped with a timer control relay to switch the lamps off during the day. This initiative was welcomed by residents of Timehri, who expressed satisfaction with the change.
According to one Timehri resident, Aktar Shaw, “These lamps (induction street lamps) are better than the red ones (HPSV lamps). I feel safer with this one; I no longer worry about my vehicle which I park on the bridge. The red ones were not as effective.”
“The energy saving lights are far better. It allows you to see better and you feel safer, especially when going to church and returning home at nights. The brightness allows the children to play in the yard on weekends after the sun goes down,” another resident, Angelina Richmond, said.
Meanwhile, Nalini Sukhal, a vendor operating along the highway, expressed her gratitude for the new lights. “I come out at 3 PM and sell up to 7 PM so it gives me a sense of security. This one is much brighter than the red one. It is very good for my business,” she remarked.
Additionally, A Khan, the Manager of Khan’s Sawmill, expressed similar sentiments saying “These white lights are far better than the previous ones which were red. I feel far more secure with this one.”
According to the Public Infrastructure Minister, implementation of the lights amounted to a total of $2,102,064, and it is expected that the energy efficient lights will pay for themselves in just about 1.09 years.
Through the use of induction street lamps, and the use of light emitting diode (LED) lamps, it is possible to significantly reduce costs associated with the provision of street lighting. The information obtained from data gathering and experience gained from the installation process will be used to guide decisions with regards to street lighting. GEA will use the data gathered to compare the Induction Street Lamps with the Led Street Lights to determine which of the two technologies is better suited for use in Guyana.
