To report a problem with a street light in the community, please call 301-948-0110 or  send an email. Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. For lights on county roads (see below), call 240-777-2190.

County Roads in Montgomery Village
Apple Ridge Road	Arrowhead Road
Centerway Road	Cinnabar Drive
Doubleland Road	East Village Avenue
Fulks Farm Road	Lewisberry Drive
Montgomery Village Avenue	Rothbury Drive
Watkins Mill Road

Why do you need to know what kind of light it is?

Well, there is a difference ... but we really understand your frustration, because reporting a light out and getting it fixed can be a very frustrating experience--for residents and the Foundation staff alike!

There are two different levels of expertise and equipment required to repair street lights and post lamps. Repairing street lights requires the services of a licensed electrician and a truck with a bucket crane (cherry picker). Post lamps do not require a bucket crane and may be repaired by a journeyman electrician.

How do I describe the lights?

Post lamps have a round globe, either clear or opaque, and are usually located near sidewalks or bike paths.

Round Globe	Colonial	Coulie Cap

       

Who owns the post lamps?

The homes corporations and condominiums own the fixtures, wires and meters that operate these lights. They own everything that has to do with getting it fixed. However, if a street light is located on a county road, the county owns and repairs the street light. The utility company, Pepco, owns the wiring underground for all street lights.

How can we distinguish between a post lamp and a street light?

Street lights are taller than post lamps and have a four-sided colonial fixture rather than a round globe. Some street lights also have a flat gray metal fixture. 

So if the street light is out on my street, the homes corporation or condominium will fix it?

That depends on what's wrong with the light. If the bulb is burned out on a street light on homes corporation or condominium property, we'll send our contractor to fix it. If it's on county property, we'll contact the county to have their contractor replace the bulb. Other repairs that may be required include replacement of photo sensors, switches, ballasts and wiring.

What if it's not the bulb?

If either contractor replaces the bulb and the light still doesn't work, there may be no power running to the fixture. In that case, the contractors notify Pepco to restore power to the light. The Foundation knows Pepco has been called, because the contractors place an "X" with red tape on the pole.

How long does all this take?

Most repairs can be performed within two days. County street lights may take somewhat longer, because the information must be relayed from our office to the county and then to their contractor before a repairman is dispatched. 

You can shorten this repair time by calling the county directly at 301-217-2190 and reporting the location of the street light that is out of service.

A broken fixture may cause a slight delay if parts need to be ordered. Delays can also be caused by frozen ground or rain. Fixing power outages to post lamps may take a little longer than two days depending on where the line is broken. 

How long do we have to wait for Pepco to repair the wiring?

Street lights with wiring problems take longer, because we have to wait for Pepco to respond. Pepco will make repairs in the order they are received. Pepco does not update MVF staff on its repair schedules.

How do I report a light out?

Residents may call the MVF at 301-948-0110, and report the type of light that is out and its exact location. Light outages are reported daily to the contractor. The contractor reports back to let us know if the light has been fixed or if the problem is now in Pepco's hands.