City of Davis

There are approximately 4,000 light fixtures illuminating Davis' public streets, and an additional 1,000 light fixtures in greenbelts and public park facilities. The purpose of the lighting is to assist the travelling public in identifying and avoiding roadway and pathway hazards, and to provide illumination at points of conflict with other pedestrians and/or vehicles, particularly at intersections.

In order for this lighting system to be effective, it must be functioning. As the fixtures age, their component parts may deteriorate, and eventually fail. Similar to many fluorescent lights found in the home, light fixtures include ballasts, lamps, and often, photocells. The photocells are used to control electrical use, turning the fixtures on at night, and off during the day. Some fixtures are controlled by their own photocell, others by a "master" photo cell which controls the switching of multiple fixtures.
Davis' street lighting costs approximately $400,000 per year. These costs include the cost of energy as well as maintenance of the lamps and ballasts by PG&E. These street lights are billed on a 'fixed rate schedule', per fixture, which means that it costs the same for a light that is working properly as for one that does not. As the street light system is generally on after normal working hours, citizen reports are critical to identify malfunctioning street and pathway lights.

Although the greenbelt and park pathway lighting system cost is measured and paid on a metered rate, the city relies on the public for reporting problems. The energy and maintenance costs for pathway lighting amounts to approximately $120,000 annually.

In addition to lights which are out, residents are encouraged to report lights that are 'flickering' during the night, missing covers on poles, exposed wires, broken glass, or other damage that is visible on the fixture or the pole. Occasionally, when a photocell has failed, lights may remain on during the day. This too should be reported.

Each fixture has a number assigned to it, which may be found on the base of the pole or on the pole itself. The number is usually visible on the side of the pole nearest the adjacent street or pathway. Although use of the fixture number is the best way to identify a malfunctioning light, descriptions may also be used, i.e. 'at the intersection of Loyola and Fig'. After a report of a lighting problem to Public Works, the repair is generally made in 7-10 days.

Problems with street lights or pathway lights may be reported to the Public Works department by:
 Phone: 757-5686
 E-mail: pwweb@cityofdavis.org
 Letter: City Electrician, City of Davis, 23 Russell Boulevard, Davis, CA 95616

The city is committed to making the most effective and efficient use of the lighting systems, including ensuring that light is only directed to where it is needed. To this end, the city is spending approximately $25,000 per year to replace fixtures that do not adequately control stray light upward or off-site, a program that was initiated two years ago. In addition, all new lighting, both public and private, is being designed to comply with 'dark sky' and energy efficiency policies.