Atlantic City Electric Installing 900 LED Bulbs in Camden County

Camden County and Atlantic City Electric are working together to convert 900 existing street light fixtures to energy efficient light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, the county announced on Tuesday.

The goal is to 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.

LED lights will be installed in Berlin Borough, Clementon, Lindenwold, Pine Hill, Stratford and Winslow Township.

“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,” Camden County Freeholder Michelle Gentek, liaison to Sustainable Camden County, said. “In addition, these new LED lights will create a significant cost savings in energy consumption and contribute to Camden County’s sustainable infrastructure.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) program provided funding for the $800,000 project. Funds from the program are used to benefit low-and moderate-income areas.

“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,” Camden County Freeholder Jonathan Young said. “We are creating a safer environment, saving taxpayer money and continuing to shrink our collective carbon footprint.”

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,” Atlantic City Electric Region President Vince Maione said. “We believe LED lighting has many advantages over traditional streetlights and will save energy and benefit the residents and visitors of Camden County.”