Report Streetlight Outages - Washington Bylaw FAQ

Utilities and Infrastructure District of Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of District of Columbia

In Washington, District of Columbia, streetlight outages are typically reported to the agencies that maintain poles and fixtures or the utility that supplies power. This guide explains where to report outages, who enforces repairs, what penalties or remedies exist, and step-by-step actions residents can take to get a streetlight repaired or an unsafe condition addressed.

Who is responsible

Ownership can vary: the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) manages many streetlight fixtures, while investor-owned utilities may control the power supply and some fixtures. For outages, report to the responsible agency or the District 311 service for routing and tracking.

DDOT streetlight reporting[1] and utility repair pages list reporting options; if ownership is unclear, 311 can open a service request on your behalf.

Reporting via 311 creates a public service request number you can track.

Penalties & Enforcement

There is no single municipal fine schedule published on DDOT pages specifically for failing to repair a streetlight; specific monetary penalties for outage incidents are not specified on the cited pages. Enforcement and remedies focus on repair orders and service requests rather than direct fines for outages.

  • Enforcer: DDOT and the utility company responsible for the fixture or power supply.
  • Complaint pathway: file via 311 or the DDOT reporting page to create an official ticket.[1]
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals/review: permits, public works orders, and administrative appeals typically follow agency rules; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: repair orders, service directives, and escalation to utility safety compliance or regulatory bodies if safety violations are identified.
If an outage presents a hazard (e.g., exposed wiring), report it immediately as an emergency.

Applications & Forms

No special municipal "streetlight outage" permit is required to report an outage. Use the online reporting forms or phone services provided by DDOT or your utility to file a repair request; official online reporting links are on DDOT and the utility repair pages.[1]

How repairs are handled

After a service request is filed through DDOT or the utility, the responsible party typically validates ownership, diagnoses the issue, and schedules repair. Response times vary by priority and workload; the cited DDOT and utility pages outline reporting steps but do not guarantee repair deadlines on the cited pages.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Complete outage on public right-of-way — outcome: service ticket and repair scheduling.
  • Intermittent flashing or malfunction — outcome: diagnostic visit and relay/ballast replacement if needed.
  • Damaged pole or fixture after a collision — outcome: emergency repair or replacement and possible coordination with traffic/parking enforcement.

FAQ

How do I report a streetlight outage?
File a report through DDOT's streetlight outage page or by calling 311; provide the pole number or nearest address and a description of the problem.
Who fixes streetlights in Washington, DC?
Fixes are handled by the entity that owns the fixture or controls power, commonly DDOT or the local utility; if ownership is unclear, 311 will route the request.
How long does a repair take?
Response times vary by priority; DDOT and utility pages provide reporting but do not specify guaranteed timelines on the cited pages.
What if a downed light presents an electrical hazard?
Report it immediately as an emergency through 911 if there is imminent danger and also report the outage via 311 or the utility's emergency hotline.

How-To

  1. Identify location: note the pole number, closest address, and a brief description of the issue.
  2. Report to 311 online or by phone so the District has an official ticket.
  3. If known, also submit the utility's streetlight repair form or report page to notify the power company.
  4. Keep the service request number and track updates; follow up if no action in a reasonable time.
  5. Escalate to agency contacts or your council member if the condition is not resolved after follow-up.

Key Takeaways

  • Report outages promptly using 311 and the DDOT or utility reporting pages.
  • Use the service request number to track progress and follow up if needed.
  • There is no specific fine schedule listed on the cited pages; enforcement focuses on repair and safety actions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] DDOT streetlight reporting
  2. [2] Pepco streetlight and outage resources

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