Bright street light temporary - DCC

A bright new street light that sparked criticism is just an interim measure, the Dunedin City Council says.

Company Bay resident Paul le Comte said the effect of the new light at Company Bay was "really stark and markedly different to the soft glow of the incandescent warm orange glow".

He contacted the council, concerned about the impact of light pollution.

He "absolutely" supported LED lights, but "it needs to be done right".

"I've been reassured that there are three special areas that will get warmer (2300 Kelvin) and dimmable LED lights."

Those areas were Otago Peninsula, Orokonui, and the area around the Beverly-Begg Observatory on the city rise, he said.

A council spokesman said the old amber high-pressure sodium light had blown out, and was replaced by the 3000 Kelvin LED in the interim, "to ensure public and road safety is maintained".

To date, 175 LED lights have been installed in the city to replace old bulbs when they have blown.

The LED streetlight renewal project, due to begin later this year, involves the replacement of about 15,000 street lights in Dunedin.

The NZ Transport Agency is funding 85% of the $15million project cost.

"The LEDs will improve safety by providing better lighting levels for vehicles and pedestrians [and] we'll be able to improve energy efficiency.

"The old high-pressure sodium lights are no longer energy efficient and the components are in short supply," the spokesman said.

"To address light pollution concerns, the Dunedin City Council factored in recommended standards from the International Dark-Sky Association when selecting LED lights."

Feedback had been generally positive, he said.

"We've had a small number of requests from residents requesting shields for LEDs, adjustment of brightness, or asking for lower Kelvin LEDs.

"Individual requests have been addressed by staff."