Indianapolis Nears Completion For Operation Night Light

A commitment to improving and increasing street lights in Indianapolis is near completion. 

Operation Night Light launched in 2016, ending a 35 year moratorium on new street lights due to budget concerns.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said replacing nearly 27,000 old street lights was a priority to improve safety and efficiency.

“They were using more energy to throw off a lower quality light,” Hogsett said.

The latest neighborhood to receive the LED lights is in Haughville. Neighborhood Association Chairman Henry Gaither said the area is home to many older residents who worry about public safety.

“And as the sun goes down their security goes down,” Gaither said. “If not in reality, in perception.”

The cost savings will allow the city to install 2,000 new street lights over the next three years.

Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili said the program targeted areas in greatest need of infrastructure improvement, including some in his district.

“And I will be the first to tell you, there are corners of District 11 where a new street light can make a world of difference for the residents there,” Osili said.

The pandemic did not slow the work. AES, formerly IPL, is partnering with the city to retrofit the lights.

The move to the more energy efficient lights is part of the city’s sustainability plan.