More wind and wave energy will power Leicestershire's 60,000 street lamps following a new deal with suppliers.
The county council said the small additional cost - £6,000 in a £2m contract - was worth it for backing renewable energy supplies.
Currently the electricity used is generated from burning waste but will be switched over from JUly.
While still using power from the National Grid, officials said the deal meant more use of green energy.
Nicholas Rushton, the county council's highways spokesman, said: "This is a win-win - it's good for Leicestershire and it's good for the planet.
"The county council is trying to lead by example and show that if we can make minor changes, which don't cost a lot more cash, then householders can as well."