New Orleans

New Orleans Launches $2.8 Million Lighting Overhaul Funded by Entergy Settlement to Tackle Theft and Safety Issues

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Published on February 04, 2026
New Orleans Launches $2.8 Million Lighting Overhaul Funded by Entergy Settlement to Tackle Theft and Safety IssuesSource: Wikipedia/Todd Ragusa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mayor Helena Moreno and the New Orleans City Council have announced a $2.8 million plan to upgrade the city’s lighting system, focusing on highways and areas prone to copper theft. The project is funded by penalties paid by Entergy New Orleans and will be managed by the Department of Public Works. Upgrades will include routes such as the High Rise Bridge and Interstate 10, with some lights being replaced with solar and aluminum fixtures to prevent theft.

According to the Mayor's Office release, the initiative follows Moreno’s earlier “Lights On” program and aims to repair and modernize streetlights across the city. Over 600 lights have already been restored. The upgrades will improve infrastructure, safety, and efficiency.

The project also includes employment opportunities for local electricians. Remaining funds from the Entergy settlement are pending approval by the City Council and will be used to continue repairs and upgrades.