BVIEC workers installing LED street lights and giving demonstration of its brightness last evening July 10, 2012 on the Sir Francis Drake Highway. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

BVIEC GM Leroy Abraham (left) and Hon. Vanterpool, both pleased with the introduction of LED lights to the VI. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

Twenty eight LED (Lighting Emitting Diodes) lights replaced the traditional street lights in Long Bush Road, Scatliffe Alley and the Walter Francis High Way.

At a press briefing last evening next to Supa Valu in Road Town, General Manager of BVIEC Leroy Abraham, said with the launch of the pilot programme and introducing the LED lights to the streets of the VI, based on the initial numbers, the present operating cost that the government is paying for the present lighting structure will be reduced by almost half.

Along with this factor, Mr. Abraham stated that other factors that also influenced the change, is the fact that there is limited production capacity at BVIEC.

He said that as the years go on, the demand for power is constantly increasing, and with the conservation of energy, the production requirement will significantly reduce and therefore delay any need to source a significant amount of new infrastructure for general purposes.

“The LED lights use less power so they require less energy from Fossil Fuels.”

The recently installed lights in the different locations will be monitored by BVIEC over a period of six months, where they will be looking at their failure rate and if they did, to ascertain the reason for it. “The lights will also be monitored through the upcoming hurricane season to see how they operate and if they stand through it.”

He disclosed that at the conclusion of the six month period, the decision will be left to the government, whether they want to replace all the lights in the VI or not.

Meanwhile, Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool verified that the LED lights will indeed replace the existing lighting structure of the VI over a period of time.

“There is no question about it, we will be replacing the street lights and also introduce solar lights, it’s just how we do it and when we do it, but it will be done. When it comes to energy we have no choice, we believe the territory will benefit in the long run if we invest now, and if we have to do it with a gradual based project we will do it.”

Minister Vanterpool, speaking specifically about the lighting demonstrations conducted last evening, said that he was very impressed with the new products.

“The area is very bright, it is much of a day light look from what I’ve seen. With these lights burning 50 percent less than the existing bulbs and there is no doubt that we will carry it through out the territory.”

Hon. Vanterpool told this news site that the territory will benefit greatly. He added that rather than the government paying twice the amount that is normally paid, only half of that will be paid.

Forecasting, the Minister said that there is hope of introducing solar lights on the streets, so that they will charge in the day and be lit in the night. “We are looking for corporations to conduct pilot programmes, and with that, it will mean zero energy consumption.”

He added, “There is a price in the initial capital in purchasing the lights but we believe in the long run the Virgin Islands will benefit. We are looking at all the government buildings next, to replace with LED lights and solar panels. We had a study done and a proposal is before us, but this is the approach we are taking in the VI. We are starting now and starting in a very positive manner.”

The recently installed LED lights are said to consume 50 percent less energy and provides more light than the present high pressure sodium fixtures in use.

The lights that are provided by General Electric and Econ International of Florida, United States of America, will provide a reduction in Watts from 5000 to 2500.