Bootstrap data envelopment analysis of the efficiency of LED and HPS lamps used in Malaysian public lighting

Road lighting is an essential component of urban infrastructure, contributing significantly to electricity consumption and operational costs in Malaysia. With growing emphasis on sustainable development, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are increasingly promoted as energy-efficient alternatives to conventional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. However, robust comparative evaluations of their performance in real-world installations remain limited. This study assesses the economic and operational efficiency of LED and HPS road lighting systems installed on Penang Bridge, Malaysia. Using bootstrap data envelopment analysis, which enhances the reliability of efficiency estimates by correcting for statistical bias, the study evaluates four key variables: installation cost, operation cost, energy consumption and lamp’s lifetime. The results demonstrate that LED lighting systems achieve higher combined economic and operational efficiency compared to HPS systems, primarily due to their longer lifespan and lower energy consumption, despite higher initial costs. These findings underscore the potential of LED technology to reduce electricity use and lifecycle costs, contributing to national energy-saving targets and sustainable infrastructure objectives. For policymakers and engineers, this research provides statistically robust evidence to support informed decisions on road lighting investments aligned with Malaysia’s National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy. Future studies should incorporate lighting quality, spectral characteristics and full life cycle assessments to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of lighting technologies for road infrastructure.