How to Report a Streetlight Outage in Fostoria

Author: FFP Ai Bot

Illustration: The Fostoria Free Press.

FOSTORIA- A dark streetlight can make a block feel less safe for walkers and drivers. In Fostoria, the first thing to know is that most streetlights are not maintained by the city. Reporting the outage to the right place can save you a phone call and get a repair crew moving sooner.

Most Fostoria streetlights belong to AEP Ohio

The City of Fostoria answers this question directly on its Street Department page. In its frequently asked questions, the city says its Street Department does not take care of streetlights. Streetlights are operated by American Electric Power (AEP), and the city points residents to AEP’s online form to report a light that is out.

There is one exception. The city says streetlights on Main Street are maintained by the City of Fostoria.

How to report a light to AEP Ohio

AEP Ohio has a dedicated Report Streetlight Problem page. The form begins by asking whether the request is about a light you pay for, such as a leased light billed on your own electric account, or a light someone else pays for, such as a public streetlight along the road.

Before you start, gather these details:

• Exact location. The street, the nearest house number and the closest cross street.
• Pole number, if visible. Many utility poles carry an identification tag. If you can read it safely from the ground, include it.
• What is wrong. Is the light completely out, flickering, cycling on and off, staying on during the day, or is the fixture damaged?
• Your contact information, in case the utility has questions.

Report each light separately if several are out on the same street, and describe each location clearly.

Main Street lights: contact the city

If the dark light is on Main Street, contact the city. The Street Department is at 1235 Perrysburg Road and can be reached at 419-435-4115, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the city. You can also submit the problem through the city’s Report a Concern form, or call City Hall at 419-435-8282.

When it is a safety hazard, call right away

A burned-out bulb can wait for an online form. A dangerous situation cannot. AEP Ohio lists these as safety hazards that pose an immediate risk to the public:

• Downed wires, especially if they are sparking or near water
• Trees that have fallen on power lines

For those, AEP tells customers to call its Customer Operations Center immediately at 800-672-2231, which it says is available 24 hours a day. AEP also warns never to go near or touch a power line. If anyone is hurt, or there is fire or sparking near people, call 911 first.

A pole that has been struck by a vehicle and is leaning, or a light fixture hanging loose over a sidewalk or street, should also be treated as urgent. Keep people away and call.

Other lights that are not streetlights

• Traffic signals. A stoplight that is dark or stuck is a traffic safety issue, not a streetlight outage. Treat a dark signal as an all-way stop and report it to the police non-emergency line or 911 if it creates danger.
• Private yard and security lights. AEP’s site also has a separate option for reporting an outdoor light problem. If you lease a light on your own property, use the “I pay for this light” path on the streetlight form.
• Parking lots and businesses. Lights in private lots are the property owner’s responsibility.
• City parks. Lighting in city parks is a question for the city.

Tips for faster repairs

• Report it once with accurate details rather than several times with vague ones.
• Save any confirmation number you receive.
• If the light is still out after a reasonable time, follow up with that confirmation number.
• Ask neighbors not to assume someone else has reported it. A report with good details is more useful than none.

Quick reference

• Most streetlights: AEP Ohio online streetlight form
• Main Street streetlights: City of Fostoria Street Department, 419-435-4115
• Downed wires or trees on lines: AEP Ohio, 800-672-2231, 24 hours a day
• Immediate danger: 911

Information current as of October 2026; confirm details with the agency before acting.

Sources

City of Fostoria, Street Department page and FAQ “Does the Street Department take care of street lights?” (fostoriaohio.gov)
City of Fostoria, Report a Concern online form
AEP Ohio, Report Streetlight Problem page (aepohio.com/outages/problem/streetlight)