Fair has energy-saving outdoor lights

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - New Mexicans heading to the State Fair can check out the latest technology in energy-saving outdoor lights.

The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department says an exhibit of different types of outdoor light fixtures with light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, have been installed on four light poles near the food court at the fairgrounds. The lights use a fourth of the energy of a standard outdoor fixture and last four to 10 times longer.

One of the LED fixtures will be selected to replace the 90 light pole fixtures at the south parking lot of the fairgrounds. The change is expected to save up to $9,000 in yearly electricity costs.

About $71,000 in federal stimulus money will pay for the 90 light fixtures.

The fair opens Sept. 10.