City officials and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) recently celebrated the completion of the Philly Streetlight Improvement Project (PSIP), upgrading 130,000 city streetlights to energy-efficient LED fixtures.
The project — one of the largest projects of its kind nationally — launched in 2023 and was completed on time and on budget, according to city officials.
Mayor Cherelle Parker called the project a “bold initiative” that has improved quality of life and safety across Philadelphia.
“Philadelphia has achieved our goal of replacing every neighborhood streetlight,” she said.
PSIP, a collaboration between the City’s Streets Department, Office of Sustainability, and PEA, has demonstrated measurable safety benefits.
A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania Crime and Justice Policy Lab showed streetlight upgrades in areas identified in the 57+ Block Initiative — corridors in the top 10 percent of nighttime crime — saw a 21-percent reduction in outdoor nighttime gun violence. Additionally, there was a 16 percent decrease in property crimes and a 10 percent drop in total outdoor street crimes.
“The benefits of The Philly Streetlight Improvement Project can be seen anywhere you go,” said City Council President Kenyatta Johnson. “Neighborhoods affected by gun violence were among the first to receive new streetlights. Brighter streetlighting citywide has improved perceptions of safety and neighborhood vitality."
The upgrades also support the City’s Vision Zero initiative, aimed at eliminating fatal traffic crashes — improved lighting enhances visibility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, making streets safer for everyone, organizers noted.
The Philly Streetlight Improvement Project was financed with a $91.2 million bond and will pay for itself through $8 million in annual energy and operational savings, according to the Mayor's Office.
“The work of the Philly Streetlight Improvement Project complements the city's safer, cleaner, and greener initiatives. While the ongoing work to keep the city cleaner and greener continues – thanks to our LED streetlights – our streets are brighter,” said Carlton Williams, Director of the city's Office of Clean and Green. “Well-lit streets and alleys are a key component to creating safer communities.”
Officials also noted that the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act project will reduce municipal carbon emissions by nearly 10 percent, more than any other energy efficiency project.
“At a time when rising energy prices affect us all, LED streetlights will help protect taxpayers for decades to come, slashing the city’s electricity use in half," added Emily Schapira, CEO of Philadelphia Energy Authority.
