Mr Baker condemned the county council's energy use policy on street lights as wasteful after learning of the situation in Beresford Road, Newhaven.

He contacted the council about the matter and was informed that it was aware of the problem, which had been caused by EDF Energy 'livening' the cable from the sub-station which supplies energy for the streetlights.

In order to prevent the lights from remaining on, the council would have to install independent switches or replace the lanterns, but Mr Baker said he was told this was not a high priority as the council pays a flat rate for electricity.

Mr Baker said, "It may well be the case that the additional energy use provides no additional costs but that is not the point.

"Currently millions of people are struggling to pay their energy bills and the council is openly wasting its energy supplies and adding unnecessarily to carbon emissions.

"It also sends out entirely the wrong message about the commitments that we should all make to reduce our energy use and I will be writing to the director of transport and environment at the county council to ask that he reviews this case immediately and ensures that steps are taken to address matters."

A spokesperson for East Sussex County Council said, "EDF Energy Networks have carried out some work on the electricity network in the Beresford Road area of Newhaven.

"As a result the council needs to upgrade the streetlights to incorporate sensor controls on each of the lamps, allowing them to come on as it gets dark and switch off as it gets light.

"As East Sussex residents have seen their energy bills increase, the county council's costs have also risen, meaning there is less money available for maintaining and repairing streetlights.

"We are working hard to provide the best possible service under the current financial climate and we will be prioritising those lighting faults which are most urgent.

"Street lighting plays an important part in reducing the fear and incidence of crime and in this case we feel it is safer to leave the lights permanently lit than switch them off completely."

A spokeswoman for EDF Energy said, "While we are not aware of any problem with the electricity supply to the street lights in Beresford Road, Newhaven, the street lights need to be upgraded to incorporate photocell controls on each of the lamps.

"Once fitted the sensors automatically control the lights, ensuring they come on as it gets dark and switch off as it gets light. The county council is aware of this and normally carries out this work."