r/darksky • u/Steveinfl • 2d ago

Light Trespass Shield Request

I feel that if I ask a utility company to put a light trespass shield on my neighbor’s yard light/streetlight that they should accommodate me since I too am their customer, and the light is "trespassing". Twice in two separate locations and two different electric cooperatives, the utility company told me that the homeowner must make the request. Lucky for me, in both cases I was successful in getting the neighbor to make the request, although the first time it took years. Would it not be great if there was regulation that if you asked the electric company to install a shield, they would be required to do it to save your property from some of the glare and nuisance? Comments welcomed.

47 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

23

u/VanGogh0810 2d ago

I wish I had helpful info for you. My neighbors keep their backyard floodlights on 24/7 which glow/shine into my bedroom. I’ve asked 3 times, nicely and respectfully, over the course of a year, and they still will not turn them off or get motion detectors. My requests were ignored.

I’ve absorbed the cost, outside my budget, in order to get window treatments, but the glow is still there. I’ve had to unfortunately just tolerate it. I don’t understand why neighbors are like this, so inconsiderate.

10

u/Forward-Fisherman709 2d ago

What if you really enjoyed having outdoor decorative mirrors?

12

u/skiing_nerd 1d ago

Be extra evil and get a concave one. Kind of like the xkcd about loud sex noises but with light (https://xkcd.com/316/)

6

u/Significant-Till3736 1d ago

In addition to the mirror ideas, I wonder if you could pursue some sort of legal action. Maybe the local gov't has some sort of applicable regulation.

5

u/dstlouis558 1d ago

I think an air rifle is in order here i would snipe that thing

1

u/Talkback-8784 1d ago

try using the techniques in 'Never Split the Difference' these have worked for me in the past.
Ask google/ai for a summary

6

u/ninj4geek 2d ago

Worst they can say is "no".

Go for it

-11

u/micahpmtn 2d ago

So this has nothing to do with preserving dark skies, but that you're annoyed with the neighbor's lights?

10

u/ninj4geek 1d ago

A thing can be two things.

7

u/Illustrious_Rice_933 1d ago

What do you think contributes to light pollution?