Devon County Council launches year-long streetlight dimming trial to cut carbon and costs

A major 12-month trial aimed at reducing carbon emissions and energy costs by altering the dimming regime of residential streetlights across Devon will begin next month.

Building on a successful pilot conducted last year in Abbotskerswell, Holcombe Rogus, Kingskerswell, and Sidmouth, Devon County Council (DCC) will extend the scheme to approximately 80% of the county’s 80,000 streetlights. The initiative, made possible by upgraded remote-controlled technology, is expected to cut carbon emissions by around 225 tonnes annually and save up to £300,000 in energy costs.

The phased rollout will begin in Exeter, followed by market towns such as Ashburton, Barnstaple, Crediton, and Honiton, before reaching more rural areas. Under the new schedule:

• Exeter: Residential streetlights will be dimmed to 40% output from 9:30pm to 12:30am, switched off until 5:30am, and dimmed again at 40% until 6:30am.

• Market towns: Lights will be dimmed to 40% from 8:30pm to midnight, switched off until 5:30am, and then dimmed again until 6:30am.

• Rural areas: Lights will be dimmed to 40% from 7pm to midnight, switched off until 5:30am, and dimmed again at 40% until 6:30am.

There will be no changes to streetlighting on main roads.

DCC has worked closely with Devon and Cornwall Police throughout the trial’s planning. Should safety concerns arise, adjustments can be made via the Council’s Central Management System.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: "The initial pilot gave us valuable insight and positive feedback, which has informed this county-wide trial. By extending these changes to over 60,000 residential streetlights, we can reduce carbon emissions and energy costs while maintaining safety."

Since introducing part-night streetlighting in 2009, Devon County Council has successfully reduced energy consumption through LED rollouts and dimming policies. Streetlight electricity usage has dropped from 31 million kWh in 2015/16 to 12 million kWh in 2023/24, generating an estimated £6 million in annual savings.

For further updates on the trial, visit www.devon.gov.uk