Thursday, December 12, 2024

An Increasing Number of U.S. Boroughs Seek Grants for LED Streetlights

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In Pennsylvania, the boroughs of Perkasie and Quakertown are jointly seeking a $1.5 million federal stimulus grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority to upgrade their streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs. Perkasie plans to convert all 880 of its streetlights, with the state grant expected to cover 75% of the project’s $969,675 cost. The remainder may be financed through reserves or loans. Meanwhile, Quakertown, which has around 1,200 streetlights, is uncertain about fully financing their upgrades even if they receive half of the requested funds. The transition to LED technology is projected to save both municipalities approximately 50% in energy consumption, as the new bulbs will use significantly less wattage while boasting a 20-year lifespan. This trend follows growing interest among municipalities anticipating electricity deregulation next year, with other nearby towns like Hatboro and Doylestown also applying for similar grants. The joint application strategy is believed to enhance their chances of securing funding, as the state favors multi-municipality proposals.

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