Council approves new streetlight monitoring system
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Pending a pilot program, a new wireless streetlight monitoring system would allow Austin Energy to turn streetlights on and off by remote.
Austin City Council approved the new measure Thursday.
Austin Energy's current system is self-operated via light sensors. The utility said it's a faulty method that often leaves lights on during the day and requires crews to go out and fix problems.
Austin Energy estimates the new web-based option would save $340,000 worth of electricity each year and reduce gas emissions by nearly 200 tons.
A pilot program will test the wireless devices on 3,800 streetlights.