Energy-Efficient LED Streetlight Upgrades Coming Soon

The City is moving forward with an important infrastructure project to upgrade streetlights throughout the community to modern, energy-efficient LED technology. This initiative, in partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE), marks a significant step in improving public safety, reducing energy use, lowering long-term costs for the City, and fulfills the Climate and Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) Building Energy Measure BE2.3: Transition to LED streetlights throughout the City.

What’s Changing?

As part of the upgrade, thousands of older streetlights that currently rely on high-pressure sodium technology will be replaced with new LED fixtures. These LEDs offer more consistent and reliable lighting that enhances visibility and quality of light on city streets. LED lighting is already being installed in communities across Southern California through SCE’s Next-Generation Streetlight Efficiency program, and thousands of fixtures have already been upgraded statewide.

Benefits to Thousand Oaks

LED streetlights produce brighter, more uniform illumination that helps pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers see more clearly at night, enhancing overall safety on local roads.

Modern LED lights use significantly less energy than older fixtures. Across many cities, this technology has reduced energy use by up to two-thirds compared to traditional lighting and lower energy costs for the community.

Using less electricity not only saves money, it also reduces carbon emissions. LEDs also direct light downward where it’s needed most, helping reduce light pollution and protecting the natural night sky.

LED fixtures last significantly longer than older bulbs, meaning fewer outages and reduced maintenance needs over time.

Work Phases

1. Wattage & Pole Verification: Beginning February 2026, SCE crews will start on-site verification of existing streetlight wattage and poles to prepare for the upcoming upgrade.
2. LED Installation Begins: April 2026, construction crews are scheduled to begin replacing older streetlight fixtures with LED models.

Residents may notice SCE crews in neighborhoods during these phases as they confirm lighting specifications and begin installation work.

What to Expect

During the verification phase and construction, SCE crews will work primarily during daytime hours. The City anticipates minimal traffic impacts and no planned power outages during installation.

Residents may notice LED lights appear slightly “whiter” than existing streetlights. This is part of the improved lighting quality that delivers better visibility with lower energy use.

Thank you for your patience as Thousand Oaks upgrades to a more efficient, safer, and sustainable streetlighting system for years to come! Visit toaks.gov/streetlights for more information.