How much electricity is wasted on bad lighting?
About 1% of our total electrical production is wasted. In 2001 this represents about 732 Million kilowatt hours per year(1). Won’t this increase crime? It has long been assumed that more light means less crime. Unfortunately, studies have not shown a direct relationship between lighting and crime. Crime is a social problem more than a lighting problem. Crime statistics show the about two-thirds of burglaries against residences occurred during the day(2). Will this help tourism in our state? In 2006 at Bryce Canyon National Park, the National Park Service reported stargazing and astronomy programs were attended by over 28,000 visitors, essentially equaling the remainder of all other interpretive programs combined. Nighttime astronomy programs have been linked to increased camping and local tax revenues from individuals staying longer and buying food and supplies locally. Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania reported annual visits in 2006 up 30% drawing visitors from New York, Texas
