#MiddletownRI is in the process of replacing about 1,300 streetlights across the community. In addition to saving the community at least $200,000 a year, the project will provide better service and dramatically reduce energy consumption.
STREETLIGHT WORK UNDERWAY
MIDDLETOWN, RI (SEPTEMBER 10, 2025) – Work to replace close to 1,300 streetlights across Middletown is ongoing.
Deputy Public Works Director Scott McLeish said about 300 lights have been switched out with new LED units in different parts of the community already.
In coming weeks, he said the remainder will be replaced, a project that’s expected to save the community at least $200,000 annually, offer better service and reduce energy consumption.
Anyone with questions is asked to contact McLeish at 401-846-2119 or smcleish@middletownri.gov or Lisa Maine of RISE at 401-489-8958 or lmaine@therisegroupinc.com.
“We’re making solid progress and we’ve gotten a good response so far,” McLeish said. “If you go out and check out the new lights, they definitely provide a better, crisper light.”
Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown agreed, saying the streetlight effort was a project that would yield numerous positives for Middletown.
Besides reducing the town’s energy consumption, Brown said the project was forecasted to save Middletown taxpayers about $1 million over a five year period.
Brown said the town would also see benefits from how customizable the new system is once it’s fully installed, down to the level of an individual streetlight.
“People might not realize this, but each light is controllable by the town,” Brown said. “That way, if it’s shining too brightly or in your windows or something, we can come out and make adjustments. It’s that simple.”
In May, the Town Council approved an agreement to purchase close to 1,300 streetlights in town from Rhode Island Energy and convert them to energy efficient LED fixtures.
At the time, local leaders said “smart technology” could be integrated into the new streetlights, seem as a benefit in walkable neighborhoods and coastal areas. And with better controls, they said it should help improve public safety and supports the community’s long-term sustainability goals.
Based on the latest projections, switching to LED lighting could cut the town’s energy use by up to 65 percent. The new fixtures are expected to be more reliable and durable too, something that should lower maintenance costs and increase the reliability of the lights because of a longer lifespan.
Communities like East Greenwich have reported strong success buying streetlights within their borders.
The project is being paid for using an on-bill repayment plan, which required a $361,000 appropriation from the town’s budget, but no long-term loans or bonds. It also capitalized on more than $208,000 in energy incentives offered by Rhode Island Energy.
“This is one of those projects we’ve been looking at and I know we’re very pleased with the progress we’ve made so far,” Brown said. “If you drive down local streets like Forest Avenue, you can already see the lights that have been replaced and how much better they are than those that haven’t.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Light-Work
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov