The Long View on Streetlight Retrofits

This working paper authored by CLTC Director Michael Siminovitch urges cities and municipalities preparing for streetlight retrofits to make sure adaptive controls are included in their near or long-term plans. Installing LED technology in place of high-pressure sodium sources can cut energy use roughly in half, but adding adaptive controls further reduces energy use by an additional 30–50%. Professor Siminovitch explains why and how project managers using public funds can maximize their climate impact and get better returns on their investments by selecting controls-compatible street lighting.