Energy-saving policy introduced during the 2022 surge in electricity prices<\/p>\n
\n Thousands of communes across France reduced or entirely switched off street lighting in 2022 during the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine
\n bacnaria \/ Shutterstock\n <\/p>\n
A growing number of newly elected mayors in France are moving swiftly to restore overnight street lighting, marking a shift away from energy-saving policies introduced during the 2022 surge in electricity prices.<\/p>\n
In several towns, the return of public lighting has been framed as an immediate, symbolic act of governance, tied to concerns over safety, mobility and quality of life.<\/p>\n
In Figeac (Lot), newly elected mayor<\/a> Philippe Landrein announced within hours of taking office that streetlights in the town centre would be switched back on.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom this evening, we will put the light back in the streets,\u201d he told councillors during the first municipal meeting of his term, signalling a rapid move \u201ctowards action\u201d.<\/p>\n Similar decisions have been taken elsewhere.\u00a0<\/p>\n In Torcy (Seine-et-Marne), the new municipal team confirmed that full-night lighting would resume across the town from March 30, reversing earlier cutbacks.\u00a0<\/p>\n The measure was presented as a response to residents\u2019 expectations, particularly around security and everyday convenience.<\/p>\n