Too many streets are being kept in the dark because of faulty lights, say councillors.
Brighton and Hove City Council is unhappy with the performance of lighting contractor David Webster and the power supplier Seeboard.
A scrutiny board debated the city's poor lighting for an hour at Brighton Town Hall.
It decided to ask the companies to come before a future board meeting and explain themselves if the position did not improve during the next few months.
Councillor Chrstine Simpson, who chairs the council's environment scrutiny board, said: "We are not very impressed with the performance of David Webster or Seeboard."
A report to councillors said: "The performance of the contractor has been a constant problem throughout the first 18 months of the contract."
There had been a recent improvement following problems caused by bad weather a year ago but the service was still not completely up to standard.
South Portslade Labour councillor Steve Collier complained a large area in Southern Cross was having problems with lights constantly being out of order.
Tory councillor Carol Theobald said there had been similar problems in the Old London Road area of Patcham.
Labour councillor Mo Marsh said good streetlighting was vital for community safety.
Her colleague, Joyce Edmond-Smith, said it was important to tell people the reason for faults when lights were out for any time.
Tory councillor Geoff Wells said: "David Webster should be informed how seriously we view this."
Councillors heard financial penalties had already been applied as part of the contract terms.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article