On-demand street lights?

Sometimes I post things here because I think they're interesting concepts -- maybe worthy of discussion -- even if I don't agree with them.

This may be one of those cases.

Apparently several small towns in Germany taking measures to save on energy bills in the city by turning out the city's street lights after 9:00 at night. The lights remain off until morning -- however, residents can turn on the lights with a simple cell phone call that instantly turns all the lights on in a particular grid section that they are in.

I'm not sure how practical this would be -- but it is interesting. I have no idea how much money Kansas City spends on electric bills -- and whether the savings would be enough to put in even more lights so that when they're on, things are brighter. But it was interesting -- and I thought it was worth sharing. As electicity becomes more expensive, it will become increasingly important for cities to look for solutions that can cut costs -- yet still keep residents safe.

More on how the system works from the BBC.

Hat tip: PSFK

Comments

[KC KS Kills Dogs]

In Zurich, Switzerland electricity is shut off at 9 pm for items like washers/dryers to save energy. Too bad if you want to do your laundry late at night.

And in Zurich to save gas if you are sitting in line at a red light, you are required to turn your car off rather than letting it idle while you work your way up to the intersection.

Just some tidbits I thought you would all like to know.

[emawkc]

In my office building, the lights go out at 6 p.m. But there is a simple web interface where anyone working late can go, enter their cube number and the lights around their work area will come back on.

Technology FTW!