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SFPUC reviews LED streetlight pilot as staff studies costs, durability and disposal
Summary
PUC staff presented pilot results for LED streetlights in three San Francisco locations, noting potential energy savings and long lifetime but higher fixture costs, thermal and disposal queries and the need for more technical and public feedback before citywide conversion.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission staff presented an update on LED streetlight pilots July 8, describing technical tradeoffs, pilot locations and next steps.
Marla Jaroszek (Operations Manager) and Power staff explained that San Francisco has roughly 40,000 streetlights (about 22,000 city‑owned, 18,000 maintained by PG&E). LEDs can offer significant energy savings, instant on/off operation and projected useful lives of 15–20 years versus 4–5 years for conventional high‑pressure sodium fixtures. Staff noted constraints: heat dissipation and thermal management requirements, limited fixture styles that fit existing arms and poles, variable marketplace choices and higher current unit costs (approximately $900 per fixture today, with manufacturers targeting roughly $400 for second‑generation models later in the year).
The PUC has installed pilot fixtures in three locations — Civic Center (Fulton between Larkin and Hyde), Beale Street between Market and Mission, and residential tests in the Sunset — and will collect light‑level measurements, component durability data and public feedback via joint PUC/PG&E websites. Commissioners asked staff to include lifecycle cost and disposal/environmental impacts (mercury, landfill impacts) in future analyses; staff agreed to incorporate those issues into forthcoming reports.
Members of the public from Bayview‑Hunters Point asked that any expanded demonstrations include their neighborhood. Staff clarified the current pilots cover a few city blocks and that larger demonstration projects would consider citywide equity in site selection.
Commissioners indicated general support for continued testing and for detailed lifecycle and compatibility analyses before any broad conversion decision.
