About the Lighting Maintenance District

The City of Lancaster is committed to providing safe, reliable public lighting that supports the well-being of our community. In June 1992, the Lancaster Lighting Maintenance District was established to oversee and fund the maintenance of public lighting infrastructure. The district currently maintains and funds approximately 18,500 City-owned streetlights, 1,800 Edison-owned streetlights, and 853 highway safety lights that keep our neighborhoods well-lit and welcoming.

Property owners within the district pay an annual assessment that covers energy costs, maintenance, and upgrades. This funding structure ensures that Lancaster remains a bright, safe, and welcoming place to work and live.

The Challenge

The primary challenge for the district is managing the rising costs for electricity and materials. While the annual inflation adjustment in the majority of zones helps offset these increases, the fixed, lower rates in the zones that voted “no” in 2003 do not cover the full cost of service in those areas. The district is currently operating in a $2 million deficit, which creates a long-term budget pressure that requires careful financial management to ensure service levels can be maintained citywide.

FAQ's