Back in 2006, the city of Raleigh, NC partnered with local LED manufacturer Cree to become the first “LED City.” Since that time, the LED City program has grown substantially, with cities across the U.S. and abroad joining in to reduce their carbon footprint, save money, and promote LED technology in general. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy itself absorbed the LED City Program recently.

This fall marks Raleigh’s fifth year as an LED City! Since that time, 57 LED projects have been completed in Raleigh, with installations ranging from streetlights to pedestrian walkways to the mayor’s office.

According to assistant city manager Dan Howe, each project passes a careful cost-benefit analysis before going through. “We have undertaken no LED project that did not pencil out for the taxpayers,” says Howe. “Early on, we decided our efforts here have to be focused on LED as a strategy that pays off, not just something cool that will save the earth.”

Almost two years ago, Philips Electronics submitted their L Prize Competition entry to the Department of Energy.  Since that time, the entry has been undergoing rigorous tests so the DOE can determine if it meets performance and lifetime requirements.

As of June 30, 2011, Philips has their first competitor!  GE Lighting announced they are entering the L Prize Competition. Their design for the 60 watt replacement LED incorporates a component from Cree.

What is the L Prize?

The L Prize is the DOE’s initiative to push lighting manufacturers to create the most energy-efficient, high-performance, top-quality light bulb to replace the common light bulb.  To enter the contest for the replacement 60 watt incandescent light bulb, manufacturers must develop a product that delivers more than 900 lumens of light, consumes less than 10 watts of energy, and has an average rated life of 25,000 hours, among other requirements.

The winners will receive between $5-10 million, partner incentives, and federal purchasing agreements.