This browser does not support the Video element.
LA upgraded 60,000 streetlights with solar tech
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced Wednesday that the city will replace about 60,000 streetlights as part of a new initiative to address the persistent problem of streetlight outages in neighborhoods throughout the city.
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass has launched a sweeping initiative to overhaul Los Angeles' street lighting system, pivoting to solar technology to improve public safety and stop the cycle of copper wire theft that has left thousands of residents in the dark.
What we know:
The executive order codifies a partnership between the Department of Water and Power (DWP) and the Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL) to assess and install 60,000 solar lights.
Currently, approximately one in ten of the city’s 220,000 lights are out of service.
SUGGESTED: LA approves 125 speed camera locations: What drivers need to know
To fund long-term maintenance, the City Council authorized the BSL to begin the process of raising property assessment fees for the first time in nearly 30 years.
This hike is estimated to generate $125 million to address infrastructure decay.
What we don't know:
While the city aims for 60,000 installations, the exact long-term funding strategy beyond the initial $65 million "surge" is still being developed by the City Administrative Officer.
The success of the proposed assessment fee increase remains uncertain, as it is subject to Proposition 218 proceedings, which allow property owners to protest or reject the tax.
Timeline:
- Pre-2024: 32,000 service requests accumulate; 10% of city lights go dark.
- Tuesday: City Council approves $65 million for an initial solar installation surge.
- Wednesday: Mayor Bass signs the executive order in Pacoima.
- June 2: Scheduled hearing for the City Council to vote on the assessment fee increase.
- Next 2 Years: Goal to complete the installation of 60,000 solar units.
What they're saying:
"The street light backlog that piled up before I took office is unacceptable... we're using solar to make our lights more reliable, resistant to theft, and cleaner to operate," Bass said.
"Angelenos expect reliable city services, and right now the city is falling short. This investment allows us to move faster on repairs while addressing the root cause of repeat outages," Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky said.
"This initiative takes meaningful action to fix thousands of our city's broken lights and restore visibility where it's been missing for far too long," Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez said.
What's next:
The Bureau of Street Lighting will now develop a formal implementation plan, including specific timelines and staffing needs.
Residents affected by the proposed assessment fee hike will soon receive notices by mail regarding ballot proceedings.
Meanwhile, the city will begin the "initial surge" of installing at least 500 solar lights per Council District.
The Source: This report is based on public statements and an executive order issued by Mayor Karen Bass during a press conference in Pacoima, alongside supplemental data provided by the offices of Councilmembers Katy Yaroslavsky and Monica Rodriguez. Technical details regarding the $65 million investment and the Proposition 218 assessment process were drawn from official Los Angeles City Council proceedings and Bureau of Street Lighting reports.