An energy solution? One community may dim streetlights

By Marc Larocque, Globe Correspondent

Look at the bright side. (Or is that the dark side?) It could soon be easier to see the stars at night in the small community of Franklin, N.H.

Officials in the town of about 8,700 will vote Monday whether to try to save money by turning off about 40 percent of the community's streetlights.

A plan drafted by the local fire chief recommends removing 215 of Franklin’s 513 street lights. Proponents say it would save the town $23,000 a year.

City Councilor Ted Starkweather said the lights would not be turned off in retail or business centers, routes students walk on, areas with crosswalks or sidewalks, and areas with high accident or crime rates. He also said the electric company, Public Service of New Hampshire, would accommodate requests of residents to keep street lights, which cost about $115 a year, if they opt to pay for them.

Mayor Ken Merrifield said he is pondering whether to veto the measure, if it's passed Monday by the city council. He noted that it will cost money initially to douse the lights.

“I would not veto haphazardly,” he said. “But in all truth … we are going to save 1/10 of 1 percent of our budget – for next year. We save zero this year because of cost associated with removal. It will actually cost us more to turn them off then to keep them on.”

Councilor Jay Bowers said the proposal could have other benefits besides saving the town thousands of dollars.

“I’m lucky that I live on a street where there aren’t many lights,” Bowers said. “A lot of people are concerned about light pollution. It may be a great benefit that you’d be able to see the stars.”

Readers, does this sound like one good solution to lowering a community's energy costs? Have your say in the comments section at this bottom of this article.