The City of Highland Park has always been a city of firsts.
It changed the shape of the world’s economy and our country’s infrastructure.
In 2011, Highland Park was literally left in the dark when our streetlights were repossessed.
We envision a lighting system that is affordable, reliable, safe, inclusive, and community-controlled.
OUR PLAN
Join the movement for community clean energy
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AFFORDABILITY
Our Plan Compared to DTE
Solar Streetlights
Prioritizes affordability. Solar lights are protected from rate hikes and follow the increasing affordability of batteries and other solar components, as opposed to the rising cost of grid electricity.
DTE
Prioritizes investor interest. Lack of locked-in pricing and a demonstrated intent to raise municipal street lighting costs pose significant financial risk and uncertainty.
RELIABILITY
Solar Streetlights
Off-grid lights will continue to function during a blackout. Integration of wifi can also improve emergency response, which is especially critical for Highland Park’s senior population during grid failure.
DTE
Grid-tied lights will fail during a blackout, when street lighting is most critical.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Solar Streetlights
Solar and batteries eliminate the need for dangerous overhead wires and use clean, renewable energy.
DTE
Rely on overhead wires, aging electrical infrastructure, and dirty energy that harms community health.
INCLUSIVITY
Solar Streetlights
Opportunity for community to lead planning and management of lights. Can provide affordable internet, local business advertising and other services that support civic engagement and the local economy.
DTE
Minimal community input in planning and management of lights, with a low likelihood of integrated community services.
COMMUNITY CONTROL
Solar Streetlights
Owned by the city, operated for citizen benefit and protected from repossession.
DTE
Owned by the utility, legally operated for investor benefit and subject to repossession.
