The start of 2021 brings new beginnings for DOT, including the start of the LED Conversion Project. Last year, we began taking inventory of our standard streetlights and now, we’re in the process of replacing them with light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. You may be wondering, “When will DOT replace all streetlights throughout the City? What are LED streetlights? What’s the goal of this project?”

Partnership with PG&E and Project Timeline 

Our city owns and maintains over 64,000 streetlights and about 27,000 of those streetlights still use yellow, low pressure sodium lamps. They need to be converted to LED fixtures because low pressure sodium lamps are out of production, in addition, LED fixtures provide a brighter, whiter light while still saving energy and minimizing light pollution. This is a large task to tackle on our own, so we’ve enlisted PG&E to help us complete a smooth transition.

In 2020, PG&E began to take inventory of all City streetlights and then, we determined and approved LED replacements. At the start of 2021, PG&E contractors began to convert streetlights in the north end of San José and they will work their way southward. We hope to finish this project and convert all low pressure sodium streetlights to LED by the end of 2021. Check out this interactive map to track our progress and find out when we’ll be visiting your neighborhood.

Other Light Fixtures

There are still approximately 5,000 non-LED streetlights in the city that are not included in this conversion project. These include underpass lights, pedestrian crossing lights, and decorative streetlights. A separate project, funded by Measure T, which was passed by residents in 2018, will convert all the remaining inventory. Visit the LED Conversion Program page to learn more about LED lights and read updates.