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Athens hears pitch to buy AEP streetlights, presenters say ownership could cut costs and speed repairs
Summary
A consultant from Tanko/Tango Lighting told the Athens City Council committee that buying approximately 653 American Electric Power fixtures could reduce annual operating costs, speed repairs, and unlock smart‑city options; city staff said acquisition would require negotiation of franchise terms and later appropriation decisions.
Jason Tango, founder of Tanko/Tango Lighting, told a Committee of the Whole on Feb. 9 that taking ownership of the city’s streetlights could improve public safety, shorten repair times and lower long‑term operating costs.
Tango said an audit showed about two‑thirds of Athens’ streetlights are owned by American Electric Power (AEP) under unmetered lease arrangements and that the city owns roughly 459 fixtures. He presented a year‑one estimate that would reduce the city’s annual streetlighting operating cost from roughly $157,000 to about $93,822 while noting an estimated capital payment near $491,000. Tango said that acquisition would produce an estimated $2,000,000 in savings over 20…
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