United Cooperative Services strives to provide the latest innovations to the members it serves, while adhering to federal and state regulations and policies. Commitment to our members is an everlasting principle and serves as a constant reminder to all that being part of a not-for-profit electric cooperative has advantages. At United, our employees continually offer members information on products, services and industry issues that could affect how they use the electricity we deliver.
Changes in federal policy regarding area lights have led to a transition in how we address this specific area of our service portfolio. Through this fact sheet, we hope to ensure that United members are fully informed on changes to area light policies.
| Key Comparisons | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulb Type | Wattage | Average Life | Lumens (brightness factor) |
| Mercury Vapor | 175 Watts | 24,000 Hours | 6240 |
| High-Pressure Sodium | 100 Watts | 24,000 Hours | 8550 | *Source: Eye Lighting International |
United is currently reviewing other options to provide a "white" light option for its members. One bulb/fixture option under review is Metal Halide (MH), but bulb lifespan and energy efficiency of this option is not as good as the HPS option that United currently provides. Further, United is testing new light emitting diode (LED) fixtures/bulbs, but initial cost is high and light output is currently not as good as the HPS option that United currently provides. As we complete the research/testing of these other options, evaluation will be completed and we will determine if the options could be made available to the members.
United also offers a Dark Sky Retrofit Option for standard installation 100-watt high-pressure sodium light fixtures. Members, at their option, may choose to request the cooperative to install a cutoff reflector to replace the acrylic refractor on standard installation 100 watt area light fixtures. Any costs over and above the standard street light fixture cost will be borne by the member.
The transition to HPS lamps from MV lamps will be an ongoing effort. As always, United will continue to keep members fully abreast of changes to all federal and state industry policies and regulations. As those changes occur we will offer innovative solutions, such as we have by providing High-Pressure Sodium lamps.