A path to improving safety, performance and reliability while reducing costs.
2021 - Summer 2023
Spring 2023
Fall 2023
Purchase complete in 2024; Conversion begins in 2025
We have purchased over 4,400 streetlights from Xcel Energy and are now converting these lights to more efficient LEDs. This project will save costs, update technology, improve reliability and safety, and reduce carbon emissions.
Provides for the safety and comfort needs of all community members. We previously paid Xcel Energy for streetlight services. These costs have risen significantly. While we have no way to control costs, we are responsible for all costs Xcel incurs. We can save money by acquiring the lights and bringing them into city control. The project has the potential to see a return on investment within nine years. We can save or reinvest an estimated:
LED lights are efficient, dimmable, and provide energy and greenhouse gas reductions. Since LED lights are much more efficient than the lights in current streetlights, we estimate that by converting all city streetlights, we can reduce emissions by about 1,000 metric tons of carbon — which is roughly equivalent to taking 254 gas vehicles off the road.
High-performing and reliable streetlights can self-report outages. Current streetlights don't automatically notify Xcel Energy when they are out. People must report an outage to get lights fixed or replaced. This system leads to unnecessary, prolonged outages. By purchasing the lights from Xcel, we can convert them to new technology that automatically lets us know when lights need repairs or replacement. Smart – self-reports outages.
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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Many of the streetlights previoiusly owned by Xcel Energy use outdated technology, that is inefficient and provides a lower-quality light.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 2025. View the project timeline for details.
Community engagement is a key part of this project. 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 are replacing lights in residential areas with this warmer color temperature, beginning in 2025.
Engagement opportunities were available in English and Spanish during 2023. Feedback received through online questionnaires, in-person events, stakeholders and other community groups helped inform the city's decision on streetlight color temperatures in 2024. View a summary of the streetlight color temperatures our community cares about.
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.
Examples of warm and cool streetlighting.
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.
There will be several benefits to our community:
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:
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:
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.
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.
