When it comes to public safety, lighting the way—literally—can make a powerful difference. A new study evaluating the Philly Streetlight Improvement Project (PSIP) shows just how impactful these programs can be.  

Since 2023, the City of Philadelphia has been working hard to enhance public safety and energy efficiency by converting 130,000 legacy HPS streetlights into a network of energy-efficient, longer-lasting LED lights.  

The results so far?  According to a study done by the University of Pennsylvania , Philly has seen a 15% reduction in outdoor nighttime street crime and a 21% drop in nighttime gun violence in areas with LED upgrades. That’s not just progress—it’s real impact, especially for the communities who experience these changes firsthand. 

Even more inspiring than the numbers are the voices of residents. Qualitative data from the study revealed improved perceptions of neighborhood safety and vitality. People feel safer, communities feel stronger, and streets feel more alive. TerraGo is proud to be a part of the team helping the City of Philadelphia bring about this change, along with our partners from Ameresco and Ubicquia.  

This study adds to the growing evidence that smart streetlighting isn’t just about saving energy—it’s a powerful tool for improving community safety and fighting crime.  Hopefully, results like Philly’s will help convince more communities to upgrade their outdoor lighting infrastructure to make their corner of the world a greener and safer place. 

When cities shine brighter, we all do.