Philadelphia Unveils $91 Million Streetlight Upgrade Plan, Bringing Brighter Nights and Reduced Crime
The city of Philadelphia has completed a two-year initiative, dubbed the Philly Streetlight Improvement Project (PSIP), which saw 130,000 high-pressure sodium streetlights replaced with energy-efficient LED lamps. The project not only upgrades the lighting infrastructure but also aims to reduce nighttime crime and make neighborhoods safer by consistently illuminating streets.
The PSIP is the city's largest energy conservation project to date, utilizing a financing mechanism that allows municipalities to borrow funds based on projected energy savings. This approach enabled the city to secure $91 million in bonds, covering costs associated with neighborhood preparation, installation of new lights, and other related expenses.
According to Katie Bartolotta, vice president of policy and strategic partnerships at Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), the LED fixtures produce over 130 lumens per watt of electricity, significantly outperforming the old high-pressure sodium bulbs. These improvements result in reduced energy consumption, estimated savings of $8 million annually, and a projected payback period of less than 10 years.
In addition to energy efficiency gains, the new lights have been linked to decreased crime rates in neighborhoods with upgraded streetlights. A study by the University of Pennsylvania's Crime and Justice Policy Lab found that nighttime outdoor crime on blocks where old streetlights were replaced declined by 15%, including a 21% reduction in gun crimes and a 20% decline in violent crimes.
The project also created nearly 200 jobs through Future Track, the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives' workforce development program. Crews cleared over 1,800 alleyways for new streetlight installations, while recreational lighting was upgraded in select parks.
While the PSIP marks significant improvements to the city's infrastructure, concerns have been raised about light pollution. However, the new LED lights are designed to be dark sky compliant, adhering to regulations that aim to reduce light pollution, preserve night sky environments, and protect wildlife.
Residents can report outages or request dimmed lights through the 311 hotline or online portal, which now features a lighting management system (LMS) that alerts officials to issues more quickly. Although some residents have complained about brightness levels or direct glare from new lights, the city offers options for shielding poles to address these concerns.
As Philadelphia looks to solidify its energy-efficient infrastructure, the completion of the PSIP serves as a beacon of progress in the city's efforts to create safer and more sustainable communities.
The city of Philadelphia has completed a two-year initiative, dubbed the Philly Streetlight Improvement Project (PSIP), which saw 130,000 high-pressure sodium streetlights replaced with energy-efficient LED lamps. The project not only upgrades the lighting infrastructure but also aims to reduce nighttime crime and make neighborhoods safer by consistently illuminating streets.
The PSIP is the city's largest energy conservation project to date, utilizing a financing mechanism that allows municipalities to borrow funds based on projected energy savings. This approach enabled the city to secure $91 million in bonds, covering costs associated with neighborhood preparation, installation of new lights, and other related expenses.
According to Katie Bartolotta, vice president of policy and strategic partnerships at Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), the LED fixtures produce over 130 lumens per watt of electricity, significantly outperforming the old high-pressure sodium bulbs. These improvements result in reduced energy consumption, estimated savings of $8 million annually, and a projected payback period of less than 10 years.
In addition to energy efficiency gains, the new lights have been linked to decreased crime rates in neighborhoods with upgraded streetlights. A study by the University of Pennsylvania's Crime and Justice Policy Lab found that nighttime outdoor crime on blocks where old streetlights were replaced declined by 15%, including a 21% reduction in gun crimes and a 20% decline in violent crimes.
The project also created nearly 200 jobs through Future Track, the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives' workforce development program. Crews cleared over 1,800 alleyways for new streetlight installations, while recreational lighting was upgraded in select parks.
While the PSIP marks significant improvements to the city's infrastructure, concerns have been raised about light pollution. However, the new LED lights are designed to be dark sky compliant, adhering to regulations that aim to reduce light pollution, preserve night sky environments, and protect wildlife.
Residents can report outages or request dimmed lights through the 311 hotline or online portal, which now features a lighting management system (LMS) that alerts officials to issues more quickly. Although some residents have complained about brightness levels or direct glare from new lights, the city offers options for shielding poles to address these concerns.
As Philadelphia looks to solidify its energy-efficient infrastructure, the completion of the PSIP serves as a beacon of progress in the city's efforts to create safer and more sustainable communities.
️ The Philly Streetlight Improvement Project is a game changer for this city 
. I mean, who doesn't love brighter nights? 
Not only will it make neighborhoods safer but also reduce crime rates 
. It's awesome that they were able to save $8 million annually and payback period is under 10 years 
. But what really gets me excited is the impact on jobs - nearly 200 people got work through Future Track 
. The city's taking steps towards sustainability and I'm all for it 
. Of course, there are some niggles about light pollution but they're working to address that too 
. Overall, this project's a huge win for Philly and we should be proud of our city leaders for making progress 
just 'cause they switched out some streetlights. Like, 91 million bucks for LEDs? That's wild 
. I mean, I guess it's a start, but what about all the other cities that need upgrades even more? Shouldn't we be prioritizing areas with more crime and poverty issues over fancy light fixtures? 
Plus, have you seen the jobs they created? Like, 200 people out of nowhere? That's just not how job creation works 
. And what about light pollution? Do they really think they can control that? It's like trying to put a lid on a tornado 
. Give me a break 
.
I gotta say, replacing all those old streetlights is a big deal! $91 million is a lot of cash, but if it means brighter nights and less crime 
. Still, props to Philly for taking a step towards cleaner energy and safer streets! 
And it's not just about safety, but also about saving energy and the environment too! The LED lights are like, super efficient and produce way less light pollution 
The city's all about creating sustainable communities, which is like, so cool. And did you know it created nearly 200 jobs through Future Track? That's just amazing 
!
. I get that it's supposed to save energy and reduce crime, but now our streets are so bright at night it's like they're shining a spotlight on everything 
. I mean, some people actually like their neighborhoods dark and cozy at night, you know? Can't we just have a bit of flexibility in our lighting system? 
. And the best part? It's all about saving energy and reducing costs 
. I've noticed a difference in my neighborhood already - the new LED lights are so bright and cheerful, it feels like walking into a happy place 
anyways i guess its nice that theyre trying to reduce crime but 15% decrease in gun crimes seems pretty low im expecting more from our city
91 million bucks is a big deal, but it's not just about the benjamins – it's about making Philly neighborhoods safer & more livable for everyone! 
Plus, creating over 200 jobs through Future Track is amazing – it shows the city's commitment to community development 
And let's not forget about the crime reduction stats – 15% less crime? That's a total win in my book 
. I mean, who doesn't want to feel safe at night? But seriously, the energy-efficient LED lamps are a game-changer - 130 lumens per watt of electricity is insane 
and for the city's bottom line 
i'm all about that safety first vibes 
can't wait to see more cities take notice of this kind of initiative