Dimmed lights on rural roads ‘cut power costs by 40%’

BANGKOK: Government measures to dim lights on “low-risk” rural roads to help reduce energy costs have cut electricity use by as much as 40% since May 1, deputy government spokeswoman Ploytalay Laksamisaengchan said yesterday (May 13).

At high-risk locations - intersections, sharp curves, bottlenecks, community areas and heavy-traffic sections - street lighting has been maintained at normal levels. Photo: Department of Rural Roads

Dozens of government departments and state enterprises have adopted energy-saving measures since oil prices started rising because of the conflict in the Middle East, a global hub for energy production and transport, Ms Ploytalay said.

In particular, the Department of Rural Roads under the Ministry of Transport has adjusted and reduced energy use on rural highways under conditions that do not affect safety standards, she said.

Under the measures, lighting has been dimmed or switched off during certain periods in areas with low traffic or minimal risk, such as outside community zones or during off-peak hours, reports the Bangkok Post.

“Since implementation began on May 1, electricity costs have been reduced by as much as 40%,” Ms Ploytalay said, adding that average traffic in the affected areas is only about 60 vehicles per hour.

Additionally, the department plans to replace all streetlights with LED bulbs, totalling 800,000 units, with installation expected to be completed by 2028, she said.