Streetlight Acquisition

Streetlights include lights that are above the public right of way, such as public streets.

The city does not own or maintain area lights, which are lights over private property, such as at condos or parking lots.

There are about 5,100 city-owned streetlights.

Xcel Energy previously owned and operated about 4,500 of these streetlights while the city owned and operated 600.

Many of the streetlights previoiusly owned by Xcel Energy use outdated technology, that is inefficient and provides a lower-quality light. Newer technology, called Light Emitting Diode or LEDs, are more efficient, are dimmable and provide a better light quality.

The city has completed the purchase of streetlights. Converting the streetlights to new LEDs begins in 2052. View the project timeline for details.

Color temperature is how warm or cool a light is, such as whether it appears yellower or bluer. LEDs come in a range of color temperatures.

In 2023, the community weighed in on the selection of the new LED color temperatures — how warm or cool a light appears. Overwhelmingly, participants indicated their preference for warmer lighting at 2700 Kelvin, a conclusion additionally supported by best practices and technical analyses. We will replace lights in residential areas with this warmer color temperature moving forward.

Most city-owned streetlights will be converted. A few city streetlights will be converted at a later time in the project due to additional complexities, including the types of streetlight fixtures. This includes Pearl Street streetlights.

We have a map showing where streetlights will be converted.

• Streetlight Conversion Map

There will be several benefits to our community:

• Smart technology to support automated real-time outage reporting to improve response times and support preventative maintenance.
• Adjustable lighting for low-traffic periods to improve safety, allow for further light pollution reductions, and increase energy savings.
• New dark-sky-friendly light fixtures that will keep light focused where it is needed and reduce spillover affecting night-sky viewing and wildlife, such as migratory birds.
• Cost-savings over time.

Additionally, we recognize that the conversion process may have an impact on people who use the street. Before installing new LEDs, we will work to notify impacted community members. There may be different impacts depending on the location:

• Installations may temporarily impact streets, sidewalks, bike lanes and street parking. There may be moving lane closures on major roads. Traffic and on-street parking may be temporarily disrupted in the work area. If parking restrictions are needed, we will post “no parking” signs 72 hours in advance of the work.
• In other locations, we may need to install new electrical infrastructure for the separation or connection of lights in the right of way, which may impact private property.

The installation, maintenance and removal of streetlights will comply with all city requirements including dust control, work zone safety, and landscaping restoration.

Once converted, the new streetlight LEDs will be adjustable to:

• Improve safety. Matching the intensity of streetlighting to other sources of light helps people see at night. During low-traffic periods at night, dimmer lighting provides less contrast, supporting better visibility and safety by helping travelers see further into the shadows. During higher-traffic periods, streetlights will be brighter.
• Support light pollution reductions.
• Increases energy savings.

The streetlight conversion will be a one for one replacement. Evaluatingthe number of streetlights and streetlight locations is not part of this project phase and will take place during a future city process. Currently, this work is anticipated to begin in 2026.

• We provide corridor-style lighting on major streets, which is when there is regular spacing between streetlights. On collector streets, which are streets that move traffic from smaller streets to arterial roads, streetlighting is provided at intersections and busy crossings for people walking and biking.
• Streetlighting is normally not provided on local streets except at busy crossings.
• There are very limited financial resources for installing new city streetlights. Requests are evaluated and prioritized. Considerations include adequate visibility for safe travel, energy consumption, operating cost and maintaining dark skies.

Over 20 years, we anticipate saving $13.6 million.

The cost to acquire the streetlights from Xcel was $3.2 million. We expect to invest an additional $3.8 million to convert the lights to LEDs. Given the cost savings associated with city ownership, reduced energy costs and other efficiencies, we estimate we can save more than $1 million per year in operational and maintenance costs. Any additional savings, which could be as much as $350,000 per year, will be reinvested into streetlights. The project would get a return on investment within nine years.

Costs may change and will be updated after the city finalizes bids in 2024.

Converting streetlights to city ownership and operation will support community goals reflected in the Sustainability, Equity and Resilience Framework (PDF), including toward safety, saving money and reducing emissions.Funds saved from the acquisition will support streetlight maintenance and may be invested in future transportation improvements.

If there is an issue with a streetlight within city limits, you can make a service request on Inquire Boulder.