Ryan, National Grid launch 'City of Light' initiative to replace hundreds of downed streetlight poles

New partnership will address backlog of more than 500 downed poles, restore lighting in neighborhoods across Buffalo 

Submitted by the Office of the City of Buffalo Mayor

The City of Buffalo and National Grid launched “City of Light,” a new initiative to replace downed streetlight poles and restore lighting in neighborhoods across Buffalo. The partnership will address a backlog of more than 500 downed poles while establishing a streamlined process for future replacements. 

“ ‘City of Light’ builds on Buffalo’s proud history with a practical investment in our neighborhoods,” Mayor Sean Ryan said. “Working streetlights make our neighborhoods safer, and residents have waited too long for these poles to be replaced. Through our partnership with National Grid, we’re tackling the backlog of over 500 downed poles, turning the lights back on, and delivering the basic services Buffalo residents deserve.” 

Initial work includes installation of 14 new replacement poles on Memorial Drive near the Buffalo Central Terminal traffic circle. National Grid expects the bulk of replacement work to ramp up beginning April 1, 2027. 

The city and National Grid have long shared responsibility for maintaining more than 40,000 streetlights throughout Buffalo. Under the existing arrangement, the city is responsible for its light poles, while National Grid owns the underground circuitry and attached light fixtures. When a city-owned pole falls, the city must first replace or reinstall it before National Grid can reconnect the electrical service and install the light fixture as needed. 

The “City of Light” initiative brings those steps together, with National Grid installing the replacement poles and completing the work needed to restore lighting. Offered through National Grid’s outdoor lighting service tariff, the arrangement requires no upfront payment from the city. 

“For years, the City of Buffalo and National Grid have worked together to ensure safe, reliable delivery of electricity to our customers; we’ve coordinated storm preparation and response, and maintained more than 40,000 streetlights in the city,” said National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa. “At Mayor Ryan’s request, we’re expanding our streetlight agreement so that National Grid can erect poles that have fallen, expediting the repair process. We’re proud to be part of this important process to reilluminate areas of the city to keep streets safe for those who are both Buffalo residents and our customers.” 

Over time, vehicle crashes, corrosion and deterioration have contributed to a growing list of fallen or nonworking streetlight poles. The approximately 525 poles covered by the arrangement represent less than 2% of Buffalo’s more than 40,000 streetlights. 

Existing city-owned poles that are standing and working will remain owned and maintained by the city unless the city requests National Grid replace them under this arrangement. 

“Streetlights are one of those basic services that people notice most when they don’t work,” Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski said. “A downed pole can leave a block dark for months, and residents shouldn’t have to keep asking when something as fundamental as street lighting will be restored. ‘City of Light’ gives us a clear path to address that backlog and get these poles replaced. I’m glad to see the city and National Grid working together to get the lights back on.” 

“City of Light” builds on the Ryan administration’s commitment to fixing the basics and improving the everyday services Buffalo residents rely on.