New LED Lighting Coming to Camden County

Camden County has entered into an agreement with Atlantic City Electric to convert 84 existing street light fixtures to LED lighting in an effort to reduce operating costs and increase the longevity of the lighting.

The installation of the LED lighting is part of a PILOT program, the county announced on Wednesday.

“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 of more than $14,000 a year in energy consumption.”

The conversion will take place on roads 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.

Two Camden County facilities, the South County Regional Branch of the Library System in Winslow Township and the Camden County Department of Public Works and Communications Center Campus in Lindenwold, will also receive the lighting upgrade.

Work is scheduled to begin in February and be finished by March. The exact timing of the project could change due to weather and other factors.

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.

“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. 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.”