Drivers entering Gulf Breeze will soon be greeted by energy-efficient LED streetlights along U.S. 98 as part of a joint project between the city and Gulf Power Company.

Gulf Power is working with the City of Gulf Breeze to enhance lighting and aesthetics along U.S. 98 with new efficient LED lights and underground service lines set for the area near the Pensacola Bay Bridge.

Gulf Power will convert about 4,000 feet of lighting circuit and three overhead power line crossings to underground. The project is tentatively scheduled to begin next week and run through early 2013.

Gulf Power Lighting and Energy Services experts worked with Gulf Breeze city officials to research the best, cost-effective solutions, resulting in dark-sky friendly LED lights that emit a natural white light and are 50-percent more efficient than the amber lights they will replace.

“Part of our mission to build stronger communities includes making them safer for our customers,” said Jeff Rogers, Corporate Communications manager. “This is a big project along a roadway traveled by thousands of vehicles every day. This will make it safer for thousands that travel that stretch of roadway every day.

These LED street lights are rated for a minimum of 50,000 hours — more than 12 years of nighttime operation. This is more than double the typical High Intensity Discharge streetlights — which are rated at 24,000 hours or less.

“LED’s give our customers real savings over traditional lighting,” said Rogers. “They cost less to operate and there’s a lot less maintenance. Great customer service and saving customers money is what we always strive for."

The project will extend from the south end of the Pensacola Bay Bridge to Daniel Drive. Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures at some points during the project. 

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”