Why Is Your Street Lighting Plan so Important to the Application Process?

Part of the application process for residential connections to the electrical grid involves submitting a street lighting plan. This is a specific step in the process and not just a document that is lumped in with the rest of the application paperwork. Why is the street lighting plan so important? Developers and builders working on entire subdivisions will recognize that the street lighting and associated electricity reticulation form the backbone of the power supply to the houses in the subdivision; without proper wiring and lighting outside, each house could face problems getting reliable and efficient power delivery, and the subdivision as a whole could suffer safety-related problems.

Verifying Your Plans Follow the Most Current Codes

Building and electrical codes usually have noticeable changes at least every few years, if not a few small changes every year. Submitting your electrical reticulation and street lighting plan for separate approval ensures that you're following the latest code and that your plans don't violate any laws. When changes are made to an electrical or building code, they're usually put in place for reasons of efficiency or safety. You don't want to find out you've accidentally created plans that use old standards, even for very small issues.

Checking for Efficiency and Maintenance Roadblocks

Once the electrical infrastructure is in place in a new development, it is very hard to make even minor changes. State and local governments want to be sure that your electrical and lighting plans focus on efficiency and allowing maintenance and repair access to be as simple as possible. Sometimes this push for efficiency and ease of access in the plans actually costs more money, and the government doesn't want companies to cut corners to reduce what they have to spend.

Ensuring Pedestrians and Drivers Have Adequate Light

These plans aren't just about looks — street lights serve to keep both drivers and others safe. As such, roads and sidewalks, as well as common areas like parks, need to have adequate lighting that doesn't bother people in their homes and that doesn't contribute to light pollution — but that also does allow everyone to see oncoming traffic no matter the form of transportation. The review of your street lighting plans allows government planning offices to ensure you haven't missed a spot.

When you're trying to connect your development to electrical services such as those through Energex subdivision services, you'll follow specific steps and turn in plans for different aspects of the development. Make sure you have everything in order, especially the street light plan.

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