New LED lights that will be installed on roads and facilities will not only add to Camden County’s sustainable infrastructure, the increased brightness will also deter crime.
“This program works on a number of different levels. From a public safety perspective, these brighter lights provide better visibility while acting as a deterrent to crime and vandalism. In addition, these new LED lights will create a significant cost savings of more than $14,000 a year in energy consumption,” said freeholder Michelle Gentek, liaison to Sustainable Camden County.
The Freeholder Board entered into the pilot program with Atlantic City Electric to convert 84 existing street light fixtures to LED lighting, reducing operating costs and increasing the longevity of the lighting.
Gentek explained that the savings from the LED lights will create a five-year return on initial investment and pure savings in year six and beyond.
“I want to compliment Atlantic City Electric for moving forward with this innovative option for government agencies to help save taxpayers money and assist us in shepherding our overall operations in a more sustainable manner,” Gentek said. “We are creating a safer environment, saving taxpayer money and continuing to shrink our collective carbon footprint.”
The conversion will take place on roadways throughout Atlantic City Electric’s coverage area including portions of Cooper Folly Road, Egg Harbor Road, Chews Road and various county roads that intersect with the White Horse Pike.
The county anticipates that the installation of the lights will start in February and should be finished by the end of March. The exact timing of the project could change due to weather and other factors.
“Camden County is taking the lead on this initiative with the hopes that the next step will be to provide municipalities with the opportunity to take advantage of the program,” Gentek said. “We are confident this project will be beneficial to other governing entities, and are exploring ways the Camden County Improvement Authority can assist with the financing.”
