City of Santa Rosa > Departments > Public Works > Street Light Reduction Program

The City of Santa Rosa is implementing a citywide Street Light Reduction Program to cut energy costs and lower green house gas emissions. This program does not involve traffic signals—only street lights are being affected. The Street Light Reduction Program will be implemented over a four year period from 2009- 2012.

Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits
We estimate the Street Light Reduction Program will result in an annual energy cost savings of $400,000. The savings will be achieved by turning off some street lights, equipping some with programmable photocell timers, and leaving some lights to operate throughout the night.

Reducing energy consumption from street lights will result in a significant reduction to the City’s carbon footprint. An estimated 1,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced annually through this program. Additionally, ambient light levels will be reduced allowing for greater visibility of the night sky.

Criteria Used
The following are the criteria used to determine which street lights would remain on and which would operate with programmable photocell timers. All other street lighting will be turned-off.

Street lights that will REMAIN ON throughout the night:

All street lights at signalized intersections

All lighting directly adjacent to or incorporated with pedestrian activated flashing beacons or mid-block crosswalks

Lighting within high pedestrian zones, such as Downtown

One light will remain on, where one exists today, at all un-signalized intersections

One light will remain on at key traffic safety locations where there has been a documented history of traffic safety issues

Street lights that will operate with a PROGRAMMABLE PHOTOCELL TIMER:

Programmable photocell timers will be installed on light fixtures along street segments where the elimination of all street lighting would be inappropriate.

Public Safety
Several academic studies have been published on the correlation between street lighting and crime. None of the studies make a direct correlation between increased street lighting and reduced crime. In fact some of the research indicates just the opposite, noting that the introduction of street lighting actually increased the occurrence of crime as perpetrators could monitor their actions without the use of flashlights or other lighting tools which could highlight the individuals’ presence. Street Lighting Projects- National Evaluation Program Phase I Report

There are; however, other aspects of public safety that are enhanced by the presence of street lighting. Some of these other valid issues include: crossing intersections as a motorist, pedestrian or cyclist; identification of unusual or unexpected roadway features, such as tight curves, medians or traffic calming devices; and visual support of critical facilities such as hospitals and fire stations.

Street Light Reduction Program Links

Telephone Contacts

Light Pollution Information

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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Program Data

Photocell Timers