The provincial government announced on Friday that Vancouver Island will be the first region in B.C. to receive new environmentally friendly LED highway lighting.
The change follows Raylec Power LP assuming responsibility for electrical maintenance of Vancouver Island’s highway infrastructure as of Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020.
Raylec’s contract will be effective until Aug. 31, 2025, with an option for a five-year extension.
The province says that work is already underway incorporating LED infrastructure into new projects and replacing existing lighting along provincial highways and roadways.
They estimate that once LED upgrades are complete on 24,000 remaining lighting fixtures the province will save $2 million each year on energy costs.
“Moving to LED lighting on our provincial highways and roadways saves energy, reduces costs and increases safety,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy.
All five B.C. regions will assume new electrical maintenance standards by 2022, through a staggered open-bidding process for private companies who will maintain electrical infrastructure along approximately 47,000 kilometres of roads.
