Boulder Swaps to Smarter Streetlights for Better Service

A Smarter System Supports a Faster Response

Every new streetlight includes smart controls that automatically report when a light goes out or needs repairs. In a changing climate with more frequent and intense extreme-weather events, this upgrade is significant. During strong winds, when gusts knock out power across multiple neighborhoods at once, our team can find out precisely which streetlights are affected, where they are, and get repairs moving quickly.

Supporting Safe and Sustainable Travel

LED streetlights use much less energy than the older technology we replaced. The switch is expected to cut about 1,000 metric tons of carbon emissions every year - roughly the same as taking 254 gas-powered cars off the road.

The new fixtures also keep light focused on streets and sidewalks where it's needed for people traveling, reducing the glow and spillover light that harms wildlife. The result is a safer travel network that works with our broader environmental values, keeping Boulder dark-sky-friendly.

Meeting Maintenance Needs

Before the city purchased streetlights, we paid for streetlight service with little control over rising costs. Now we manage our own system - and the savings go back into maintaining streetlights our whole community depends on.

Learn More

View frequently asked questions or report a streetlight issue on the Streetlights webpage.