In response to the ongoing energy crisis, ORES proposed a measure to its affiliated municipalities to limit public lighting electricity consumption. The proposal involved turning off street lighting between midnight and 5 am, with lighting provided from sunset to midnight and from 5 a.m. until dawn. Initially planned for November 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, ORES now suggests extending the measure indefinitely from April 1, 2023. This measure might save municipalities between 4% to 40% on their electricity consumption, according to ORES.
Out of 44 municipalities, 17 chose to simply turn off public lighting between midnight and 5 am, while 25 opted for ORES’ proposal with the request of permanent lighting on weekends and public holidays. Bertrix was the only municipality to keep public lighting on permanently, and Attert is yet to decide on the matter. A few neighboring municipalities, including Messancy, Musson, Saint-Léger and Aubange elected for the same option. However, the municipalities have maintained a connection with ORES for further discussion on the matter. Some mayors regretted that the decision was not taken collectively at the provincial level, with the opinion that it might have been more economical and straightforward for the citizens. The measure does not seem to have affected crime rates significantly.
Following the energy crisis that we have been facing for several months, the operator ORES had proposed to its associated municipalities to limit the electricity consumption of public lighting. The measure consisted in purely and simply turning off street lighting between midnight and 5 am. On the other hand, lighting was provided between sunset and midnight as well as from 5 a.m. until dawn. ORES’ proposal initially targeted a period from 1 November 2022 to 31 March 2023. Today, the operator proposes to put the cover back on, for an indefinite period, from 1 April 2023. Still according to ORES, this measure would have enabled municipalities to save between 4% and 40% on their electricity consumption. A non-negligible saving at a time when the price of electricity is still very expensive.
A majority for limited extinction
First observation, we note that out of the 44 municipalities in our province, 17 have chosen the option of purely and simply turning off public lighting between midnight and 5 am (including weekends). 25 have also opted for the measure initiated by ORES, but ask that the lighting be permanently on during the nights from Friday to Saturday and from Saturday to Sunday as well as on public holidays. Finally, the only municipality in the ranking to keep public lighting on permanently: Bertrix. Les Baudets, which hosted Viva for Life last December, have chosen to remain on their first choice by maintaining uninterrupted lighting, seven nights out of seven. Note that the Commune of Attert still has to look into the question. This will be discussed at the municipal council on Monday, April 3.
Several municipalities for the same option
When we look a little closer, we see that some neighboring municipalities have opted for the same option. This is particularly the case of the municipalities of southern Luxembourg. “We discussed together and we found that it was smarter to make a unanimous decision for the same area. This is why Messancy, Musson, Saint-Léger and Aubange opted for the third option with a limited extinction “explains François Kinard, the mayor of Aubange.
In the Center Ardennes, there is everything, but sometimes nuances like in Herbeumont where the municipal council voted for option number 2 which provides for total extinction between midnight and 5 a.m., weekends included. “We keep this option, but we reserve the right to modify on a case-by-case basis. For example, during a festive weekend, we might ask ORES exceptionally activate public lighting to ensure the safety of our citizens”adds Catherine Mathelin, the mayor of Herbeumont.
A priori, this extension of the public lighting extinguishing measure has no known end date. Despite everything, the Municipalities maintain privileged contact with ORES, which remains open to discussion if necessary. Other mayors particularly regret that such a decision is not taken collectively at the provincial level. “It would no doubt have been more logical to vote for a single option for the whole province. It would have been much simpler for the citizen and perhaps even more economical”, observes Benoît Lutgen, the mayor of Bastogne. Overall, crime has not changed significantly with this extinction.
In conclusion, the decision by ORES to propose the limited extinction of public lighting between midnight and 5 a.m. has been met with mixed reactions from the municipalities it serves. While some have chosen to turn off all street lighting during this time, others have opted for a modified version of the measure that allows for lighting on weekends and public holidays. Despite some initial concerns regarding the impact of limited lighting on crime, overall, there have not been significant changes reported. The extension of this measure beyond the initial proposed period is a step towards more sustainable energy practices and cost savings for municipalities. It remains to be seen how effective this measure will be in the long term, but municipalities are keeping an open dialogue with ORES and remain committed to finding the best possible solutions for their communities.
