Help Me Hank: Streetlight stalemate

The days are getting shorter and it's darker sooner. In downtown Boston or cozy neighborhoods you need streetlights for safety. When the one in front of Eric's house burned out he was so angry, he took a picture of it.
 
Eric Renner, homeowner
"I never realized how dark it was when the light was gone."
 
During the day of course it was no problem and Eric was expecting the electric company to notice it and fix it. But after about a month and a half, still dark.
 
Eric Renner, homeowner
"I figured someone had to be notified."
 
So Eric called the department of public works. They said try the fire department. The fire department said, not our responsibility, but they took down the information.
 
Eric Renner, homeowner
"I just assumed that it would be resolved then."
 
But no! Two weeks later, still dark! Eric called public works again and the fire department again and now he was told, call the electric company.
 
Eric Renner, homeowner
"I was very, very surprised."
 
The electric company's automated line told him to call the fire department.
 
Eric Renner, homeowner
"It was frustrating."
 
Wondering just how many phone calls it takes to fix a light bulb he tried one more.
 
Eric Renner, homeowner
"I called you Help Me Hank."
 
To shed some light on it we called town hall. They told us the town owns the street lights so burnt out bulbs are its responsibility.
 
But it seems someone at the fire department didn't know the drill. All outages are fixed by a private electric company contracted by the town.
 
The fire department is supposed to relay resident's street light concerns. But in this case Eric's request never got passed along.
 
So we made sure it was! And now when the sun goes down, the streetlights go up.
 
Eric Renner, homeowner
"It's finally resolved. I'm happy that my lights are changed."
 
Hank Phillippi Ryan, Investigative Reporter
Ownership of street lights varies from town to town. Before you find yourself in the dark, know who to call.

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