Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Utilities  -  July 27, 2022

Memphis to Upgrade Lighting 

The city of Memphis and Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) plans to complete a LED street lighting, controls and networking project designed to reduce energy costs citywide.  

The project will be completed by Ameresco, Inc.,  with construction expected to begin in fall 2022 and be completed by fall 2023.

In addition to providing improved illumination, enhanced safety, and reduced maintenance needs with 77,000 fixtures being changed to LED, the project is expected to result in annual energy savings of more than 37 million kWh and reduce GHG emissions by more than 26,000 metric tons. 

The energy and operating cost savings will allow the project to pay for itself over the life of the system. Updated luminaires will be fully controllable through remote monitoring on a secure network capable of additional smart city applications. 

The city of Memphis aims to significantly reduce its carbon emissions, while simultaneously improving both streetscape and nighttime visibility in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner through the completion of this project.

"We are now almost ready to begin converting all 77,000 streetlights across our city to LED bulbs. By doing this, we will be bringing significantly improved lighting to every neighborhood in Memphis,” Mayor Jim Strickland said in a statement. “As I stated in my State of the City last year, no longer will criminals have a safe harbor to operate under cover of darkness and prey on our citizens in dimly lit parts of the City. I’m pleased this much-needed project will be starting soon.”