Municipalities in St. Lawrence County and across the state can now make energy-efficient investments in their streetlight equipment after the Governor signed legislation sponsored by State Senator Joseph Griffo.

This legislation, known as the Streetlight Replacement and Savings Act (S5205B), provides clear guidelines for municipalities to begin the process of purchasing its streetlights from the electric companies that own them.

Outdoor lighting is one of the biggest expenses that municipalities have to confront, but sometimes these villages, towns and cities find it challenging to even begin negotiations with electric companies.

As a result, municipalities are often unable to make changes to their outdoor lighting that would help cut costs, save taxpayer dollars and prevent energy waste.

But now, Sen. Griffo’s legislation would facilitate discussions between the parties involved by requiring that all investor-owned utilities have the appropriate tariff in place that allows municipalities to purchase streetlights.

This legislation, while not forcing utilities to sell their property, would also establish specific steps to make it easier for a municipality to initiate a proceeding for the Public Service Commission (PSC) to review and approve the sale of these streetlights.

“As Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, I recognize that many municipalities across the state are always looking for ways to save taxpayer dollars by becoming more energy efficient. This legislation would give municipalities a little more leverage to accomplish that goal, either by acquiring streetlights and supporting infrastructure, or by making other arrangements with the utility company, such as phasing in more energy efficient lighting equipment while the company continues to own and maintain the streetlights and wires. The more easily our communities are able to move toward a more energy efficient future, the more they can devote limited financial resources to services and priorities that matter most to their residents,” Griffo said.