Camden County to convert some 900 street light fixtures to using LED bulbs
On June 16, the Camden County Freeholder Board announced a new initiative working with utility company Atlantic City Electric to convert 900 existing street light fixtures to energy efficient light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. This new hardware will reduce operating costs, enhance public safety and increase the longevity of street lights by 400 percent. The Camden County Improvement Authority, the financing and development arm of the County, is providing the assistance for the municipalities to save a combined $100,000 per year.
“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,” said Freeholder Michelle Gentek, liaison to Sustainable Camden County. “In addition, these new LED lights will create a significant cost savings in energy consumption and contribute to Camden County’s sustainable infrastructure.”
This $800,000 project was funded from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) program. These CBDG funds are used to benefit low-and moderate-income areas. The lighting is being installed within qualified census tracks by providing energy efficient lighting and improved public safety.
“I want to compliment Atlantic City Electric for partnering with us on this innovative option for government agencies to help save taxpayer money and assist us in shepherding our overall operations in a more sustainable manner,” Freeholder Jonathan Young said. “We are creating a safer environment, saving taxpayer money and continuing to shrink our collective carbon footprint.”
Atlantic City Electric will convert the identified existing street light fixtures to LED in areas of Berlin Borough, Clementon, Lindenwold, Pine Hill, Stratford and Winslow Township, reducing operating costs and increasing the lifespan and eliminating maintenance. LED’s have a life-span of about 20 years compared to about five years for a standard High Pressure Sodium or HPS bulb.
“We are pleased to partner with Camden County to install LED lighting technology in Winslow Township as well as other municipalities identified by the county,” said Vince Maione, region president, Atlantic City Electric. “We believe LED lighting has many advantages over traditional streetlights and will save energy and benefit the residents and visitors of Camden County.”
The Freeholder Board worked on a separate LED project earlier in the year with Atlantic City Electric replacing facility and roadway lighting. This project consisted of about 100 bulbs throughout the utility’s coverage area, replacing bulbs along the White Horse Pike and at the Department of Public Works facility.
“I want 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.”
