Rome turns to LED lighting, but some residents unhappy

ROME (Reuters) – Rome is investing millions of euros in environmentally friendly, cost-saving LED street lights. But some residents of the Eternal City are unhappy to lose the softer, golden glow of the old sodium lamps.

“This LED light is really bright, really blue. It feels like a hospital light,” said Monica Larner, an American who lives in Rome’s historic center. She said she was shocked to find the old bulbs replaced in her neighborhood overnight, with no prior notice to residents.

The city’s electricity company, Acea, says the new lighting, which should be fully installed by the summer, will improve visibility and safety as well as save money.

With an investment of about €50 million, the Town Hall, run by the antiestablishment 5-Star Movement, will save €260m. over the next 10 years, said Paolo Fioroni, the head of Acea’s public-lighting department.

Over the same period it will cut carbon-dioxide production by 350,000 tons and reduce gasoline consumption by 180,000 tons, he told Reuters.

“This is a great step forward in terms of technological advancement and energy efficiency,” Fioroni said.

While the conversion is carried out, some central piazzas are now illuminated partly by the old softer lightbulbs, encased in romantic glass, and partly by the brighter LED glow.

Not all residents prefer the former, even if it is more aesthetically pleasing.

“I am more than happy,” shop owner Luca Candolo said. “I find there is more light in this area, and above all, there is a real saving in energy level. It was about time.”