LED Traffic Signal Market Transformation: An Update with Boston-Area Case Studies

Margaret Suozzo

February 2001

Abstract

Traffic signals that use LEDs as a light source offer state and local jurisdictions significant energy savings (approximately 80 to 90 percent), additional cost savings (from reduced maintenance), and the potential for improved visibility and safety. Some regions in the United States are taking advantage of these savings, but high product costs, lack of information, and other barriers limit market penetration. Additionally, the lack of a final LED traffic signal specification from the key U.S. standard-setting body, the Institute for Transportation Engineers, has hindered jurisdictions' pursuit of LED traffic signal retrofits.

The first half of this report reviews some of the experience of early adopters of LED traffic signals, presents key technical and market barriers that limit greater market penetration, and summarizes four market transformation efforts that strive to address these barriers, including: the development of industry-standard LED traffic signal specifications; a U.S. EPA/DOE ENERGY STAR^® traffic signals' labeling program; the Consortium for Energy Efficiency's (CEE's) LED Traffic Signal Initiative; and New York State's Energy $mart^sm Program. Although the approaches may vary, each of these efforts generally aims to increase comfort with, and awareness of, LED traffic signal technology among local decision-makers. Together these activities offer significant potential to build lasting demand for LED traffic signals.

The latter half of this report focuses primarily on specific case studies of LED traffic signal installations. In 1998 and 1999, Boston Edison Company provided financial incentives for LED traffic signal installation projects and in doing so, motivated several local communities to replace their incandescent signals with LEDs. Case studies of four Boston-area communities summarize the process and initial results from installations in these jurisdictions. Finally, the report provides a brief status on the development of all-LED signals.

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