COLUMBUS, Ohio — Streetlights are something that many people probably don’t pay attention to or take for granted.

What You Need To Know

  • Columbus is converting all old infrastructure streetlights to new LED remote-controlled streetlights 

  • LED remote-controlled streetlights are better for sustainability and efficient maintenance 

  • Twenty percent of Columbus streetlights are currently LED remote-controlled and 80% are old infrastructure
  • The goal is to have all the streetlights converted by 2027

But for Hilltop resident Jon Houze, he believes streetlights contribute to the safety of a community.

“I feel more comfortable. I'll walk at night now where I wouldn't before, so just because the lights are so bright and they're nice to have around,” he said.

That’s why the City of Columbus is converting all the streetlights in the city to remote-controlled LED lights prioritizing neighborhoods like Hilltop and Linden, which are often underserved. 

“Having these new remote lights that allows the city to fix things either remotely or they'll be aware of the light being out before they're using the call is fantastic,” Houze said.

The reason for the conversion of all streetlights to remote controlled LED lights is for the benefits and maintenance. Columbus Division of Power administrator Kristian Fenner said these new lights have several benefits.

“Climate and environmental benefits. Energy savings benefits. LEDs. Life expectancies. Much longer than what we have out there existing. In fact, they say it's 20 years,” Fenner said.

The remote-controlled capabilities will help with maintenance. The Division of Power can see exactly when and where a streetlight is out to alert maintenance to fix it immediately and sometimes even fix it remotely. A more efficient way than the current way to alert maintenance. 

“Today, the only way we know how streetlight is out is when you call us or when you report it to 311, which I know is frustrating for many citizens because it seems like the streetlights are out and we're not getting to them fast enough,” Fenner said.

According to the Division of Power, converting streetlights to remote-controlled led lights has been a work in progress since 2020. Currently, 20% of the lights in Columbus are LED and 80% are old infrastructure lights. But after Mayor Ginther’s State of the City address, the city now has the money to complete the project in the next two to three years instead of the next 20 years. 

“Back in the day, we had very limited means to actually do this mass conversion approach to it. So I would hope that we can get this completed by 2027,” said Fenner. 

“Having reliable street lighting is very important and really provides an additional sense of security for the residents in the area,” said Houze.