How do LED fixtures impact light pollution?

Two factors have an impact to sky glow or light pollution, which are up-light and the lumen output (light level) of the fixture.


To address the up light, the majority of the new LEDs are “cobra-head” fixtures and they have received the best ranking – a “zero” – when it comes to the amount of up-light they produce. FortisAlberta’s fixtures are “Dark Sky” friendly with zero up-light, which means less light pollution and/or sky glow as the light is directed downward. 


To address the lumen output, LEDs typically require approximately 47-58 per cent of the lumen output of the HPS light to achieve the same light levels on the pavement. This is due to the efficiency of the light source being able to direct the light where it needs to be versus the HPS light having a lot of wasted light and lack of control. 


By eliminating the up light and reducing the lumen output of the light source, the LED significantly reduces light pollution.

Show All Answers

1. How many streetlights does FortisAlberta own and operate?
2. Why did FortisAlberta introduce an LED Conversion Streetlight Option?
3. Why did FortisAlberta change its lighting standards?
4. Will HPS streetlights still be available to FortisAlberta customers?
5. What are the benefits of converting to LED technology?
6. How many streetlights does FortisAlberta plan to convert under the LED Streetlight Conversion Option?
7. Why are municipalities switching to LEDs?
8. Why does our community look different with LED streetlights? Why do LEDs appear brighter, but my street is darker?
9. How do LED fixtures impact light pollution?
10. What does LED mean?
11. What does HPS mean?
12. What does CRI mean?
13. What is a BUG rating?
14. Why did FortisAlberta change the colour temperature of their LED lights?
15. Will the 3,000K LED lights make everything look orange like the old HPS lights?
16. Why does the colour temperature of streetlights matter?
17. Have the health impacts of the blue/white light associated with LEDs been considered?
18. I’ve heard the new LEDs disrupt sleep patterns. Is that accurate?