San Francisco will test energy-saving streetlights and wireless systems in three areas across the city in 2013, and, if successful, the technology will be used to control 18,500 lights and other equipment, such as traffic signals and surveillance cameras.

Under the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) pilot programme, eight companies have been chosen to showcase their wireless streetlight systems.

As part of the test programme, each firms will be required to supply around 20 LED streetlights with controls and related equipment, such as sensors, cameras and software.

If the programme is successful, 60% of the city’s streetlights will be controlled by wireless systems by 2015 as part of the $16m LED Street Light Conversion Project. The remaining streetlights are owned by PG&E.

LED streetlights consume only half the energy of regular sodium cobra head-style streetlights and do not require any maintenance for at least two decades.

"Eight companies have been chosen to showcase their wireless streetlight systems."

SFPUC spokesman Charles Sheehan said that with the help of the wireless system, lights can be controlled in real time, which will enable the commission to find out whether a replacement is required and then respond accordingly or remotely adjust the brightness levels.

The system will be tested in the neighbourhoods of Irving Street between Sixth and 24th avenues, Washington Street between Presidio Avenue and Arguello Boulevard, and Pine Street between Market Street and Grant Avenue.

The test programme will begin in March 2013 while complete installation along with Wi-Fi network will be done by 2014. The full project is expected to be finished in around 18 months.

SFPUC noted that the LED lights will boost road safety and illuminate the streets and sidewalks with neutral white light.