PUBLIC LIGHTING DEPARTMENT
HISTORY
The Public Lighting Commission was created by an act of the Legislature in March 1893. Located originally on Randolph Street at the Detroit River, a power plant of 1000 kilowatts capacity was constructed in 1894 to supply power to the street lighting system and public buildings.
MISTERSKY POWER STATION
In 1927, all electrical generation was transferred to the Mistersky Power Station on West Jefferson Avenue, which had a capacity of 60,000 kilowatts. Through period expansion, the electrical generating capacity of the Mistersky Power Station was increased to 184,000 kilowatts by 1979. A power interchange line of 80,000 kilowatts capacity connects Mistersky to the Detroit Edison Company. In addition, the Herman Kiefer Heating Plant is operated by PLD.
With the City Charter adopted in 1973, the name of the commission was changed to the Public Lighting Department (PLD).
The municipal street lighting system has grown from fewer than 1500 lamps in 1895 to 86,884.
PUBLIC LIGHTING CUSTOMERS
With a citywide power distribution system, the Department now serves more than 890 public buildings. The Department's customers are various City departments, the Detroit Board of Education, Wayne State University, Joe Louis Arena, Wayne County Community College District, Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center and other federal, state and county agencies.
OTHER SERVICES
The Department also inspects and regulates the use of utility poles in the city.
Public Lighting also maintains the city's traffic signal system. There are approximately 1286 intersections in the system. Wayne County government also operates and maintains 235 Intersection in Detroit.
In addition, PLD maintains the Police and Fire communications network, which includes the extended 911 and automated dispatch systems.
PUBLIC LIGHTING COMMISSION
A five-member commission, appointed by the Mayor, serves without compensation to advise in the operation of the Department.