St. Paul Public Works Director says copper theft and budget gaps hit lights

Between 3,800 and 4,000 street lights are currently out in St. Paul, according to Public Works Director Deb Barber.

Copper prices drive theft despite felony laws

Public Works Director Deb Barber told City Council members that the increasing market value of copper has intensified the incentive for theft. In some instances, repair teams have fixed wiring only to have it stolen again within days. Barber noted that thieves are finding ways to bypass newer deterrents, including poles with higher wire access and specialized repair methods designed to make theft more difficult.

While newer state laws have made damaging street lights a felony, Barber said the impact of these changes remains unclear. She noted that the law is an important step, but the city lacks sufficient data to track its effectiveness. The impact of the legislation is most visible when police catch suspects in the act of stealing wire.

Budget gaps threaten future repairs

The city is facing a $26 million budget gap heading into 2027, and street light repairs currently lack a dedicated funding line. Barber explained that repair costs are bundled into general street maintenance, which she described as a challenge because the complexity of fixes varies significantly.

Barber has requested funding for one to two additional electricians and new repair materials. However, she warned that more staff alone won’t solve the problem if thieves continue to target the infrastructure. Without additional funding next year, Barber expects more streets will go dark.

St. Paul tests solar lights and coordinated theft plans

St. Paul is currently testing a solar-powered light pilot project along Pleasant Avenue through a partnership with North Dakota State University. Barber is also pushing for a citywide wire theft action plan that moves beyond the Public Works Department.

This proposed holistic approach involves coordination between Public Works, Parks and Recreation—which also maintains street lights—and the St. Paul Police Department to improve apprehension rates and deterrent measures. Barber stated that success depends on a paired concept of simultaneous repair, theft deterrence, and the arrest of thieves.

St. Paul street light outage data

Common questions about St. Paul wire theft

Why are street lights being stolen if it is a felony?

Deb Barber attributes the persistence of theft to the rising selling price of copper, which increases the financial incentive for thieves to find creative ways around higher-access poles and new repair methods.

What is the city doing to stop the outages?

The city is piloting solar-powered lights on Pleasant Avenue and developing a multi-department action plan involving the St. Paul Police Department to increase the rate of arrests.

Will hiring more electricians fix the dark streets?

While Barber requested one to two more electricians to speed up repairs, she stated that additional manpower would not stop thieves from targeting the lights again without better deterrents.

It remains unclear if the St. Paul City Council will grant the requested funding for additional staff and materials in the upcoming budget cycle.