For Immediate Release: October 28, 2025 

Contact:
Ben Block
Senior Manager Communications
Philadelphia Energy Authority
(215)688-5134
Media@philaenergy.org

PHILADELPHIA – Today, City officials and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) celebrated the achievements of the Philly Streetlight Improvement Project (PSIP) and shared trick-or-treating safety information at the John M. Patterson School in Southwest Philadelphia. 

PSIP is a collaboration between the City of Philadelphia’s Streets Department and Office of Sustainability, partnering with PEA. Working together, the team extensively researched, tested, and planned every detail of this comprehensive infrastructure upgrade. Since construction started in 2023, the project has upgraded 130,000 streetlights with newer, energy efficient, brighter, longer-lasting LEDs – in two years and on budget. 

“I am thrilled to announce that Philadelphia has achieved our goal of replacing every neighborhood streetlight,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “This was a bold project, and it clearly demonstrates how cost-effective, citywide infrastructure investments improve quality of life, making the city safer for all.” 

PSIP is among the first large-scale municipal streetlight replacement projects to track and demonstrate 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, or 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 10-percent drop in total outdoor street crimes. 

“Across the city, residents are noticing fewer outages and brighter lights, and the benefits of The Philly Streetlight Improvement Project can be seen anywhere you go,” said Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (Second District). “Neighborhoods affected by gun violence were among the first to receive new streetlights. Brighter streetlighting citywide has improved perceptions of safety and neighborhood vitality, demonstrating the City of Philadelphia and City Council’s commitment to improving quality of life in every neighborhood.”  

PSIP aligns with the City’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating fatal traffic crashes. Severe crashes occur more often at night when there is reduced visibility. Improved roadway lighting helps everyone look out for one another, whether they are walking, biking, taking transit, or driving. 

“I am thrilled to be here with the team that made this citywide infrastructure upgrade possible. This is how interagency collaboration improves quality of life, not just for one neighborhood, but every neighborhood across Philadelphia.” said Kristin Del Rossi, Commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Streets. “Now it is the Streets Department’s responsibility to maintain this new infrastructure. Our Streetlighting Division staff will ensure our city continues to benefit from this investment for years to come.” 

The Office of Clean and Green and the Future Track Program were instrumental in clearing narrow alleyways in neighborhoods across Philadelphia. This work allowed for the repair and upgrade of previously hard to reach streetlights. Cleaner and better-lit back alleys and roadways now help deter crime and illegal dumping. 

“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, Office of Clean and Green. “Well-lit streets and alleys are a key component to creating safer communities.”  

The project was financed with a $91.2 million bond and will pay for itself through $8 million in annual energy and operational savings. The Guaranteed Energy Savings Act project will reduce municipal carbon emissions by nearly 10 percent, more than any other energy efficiency project, making it a key strategy in the City’s Municipal Energy Master Plan. 

“This Halloween, brighter streetlights mean safer streets for every trick-or-treater in Philadelphia,” said Emily Schapira, PEA President and CEO. “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.” 

“People often think sustainability initiatives create trade-offs between economic and environmental benefits. Our new streetlights prove we can create economic opportunity for residents and save taxpayer dollars, while also improving safety, quality of life, and energy efficiency in our city,” said Liz Lankenau, Director, Office of Sustainability. “We look forward to pursuing more ambitious energy projects that further our climate goals while creating tangible benefits for residents.” 

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