Philadelphia Energy Authority trying to replace 130,000 outdated streetlights in progressive initiative
PHILADELPHIA - A city energy authority is attempting to replace Philadelphia’s outdated streetlamps while offering good jobs to young people and fighting crime along the way.
David Johnson loaded LED streetlamps into boxes at American Power Electrical Supply in West Philly.
The 21-year-old is nearing one year of employment, a big change in his young life after 9 months of being locked up on a gun charge.
"My life is definitely in a better place. Coming to American Power keeps me busy, keeps me out of a lot of the negative, trouble stuff," he said.
Officials with the Philadelphia Energy Authority, a municipal group focused on affordable and sustainable energy, said that’s part of their goal to offer well-paying jobs to young people with troubled pasts by building light fixtures to brighten the city.
"The new fixtures produce high quality nighttime lighting and are reliable, long-lasting, reducing the Street Department’s need to service outdated fixtures," said Commissioner Kristin Del Rossi, who leads the Department of Streets.
The first lights went up in August 2023 at the city’s Shepard Recreation Center. Since then, 83,000 of the LED lamps, able to be dimmed and directed, have been installed with a goal of replacing the 130,000 streetlamps across the city.
"It’s a financial win for the city. It saves over eight million dollars annually and pays for itself in 10 years," said Emily Schapira, Philadelphia Energy Authority leader.
Inside American Power, workers connect wires, place stickers, and switch on the lamps before they are packed and shipped.
"We have to activate the technology. We have to finish putting the final step on it. That’s what you see these guys doing there," said Manager Nathaniel Coston.
LED light equals safety, members of the Authority said.
They argue early studies show the new lighting lowers crime.
"I know this was a tough weekend in Philadelphia for gun violence. We’re grateful to be contributing in some small part to an overall reduction city wide," said Emily Schapira.