Carlisle Approves 100% Renewable Energy and $429,000 Infrastructure Spending
Carlisle Council Votes for Green Power, New Server, and Traffic Signal Updates
Introduction: What Our Council Approved October 9
Our Carlisle Borough Council made big decisions on October 9, 2025. First, they approved a switch to 100% renewable energy. Additionally, they approved two major projects. One replaces our borough hall computer server. Meanwhile, the other upgrades downtown traffic signals.
Four Years of Clean Energy for Carlisle
Council approved a four-year contract for renewable electricity. As a result, all borough buildings will use clean energy. Specifically, the contract goes to the lowest qualified bidder. Furthermore, the price locks in based on October 10, 2025 rates.
This is good news for our environment. Moreover, it gives our borough stable energy costs. For the next four years, we’ll know what we’re paying. In addition, we’ll use wind and solar instead of coal or gas.
Joining Forces with Other PA Boroughs
Beyond our own energy switch, Council also talked about joining PEPC. That stands for Pennsylvania Electricity Plan Collaborative. Essentially, it’s a group of PA boroughs working together on clean energy.
Why does this matter? When boroughs team up, they have more buying power. Consequently, this means better rates on renewable electricity. Therefore, if it works, Carlisle residents might get access to cheaper clean energy too.
New Server for Borough Hall: $42,870
Council approved $42,870 for a new computer server. Specifically, the company Hinsen and Associates will buy and install it. Overall, this is part of regular IT maintenance.
Why do we need this? Servers run everything in borough hall. For example, they handle emails, records, and financial systems. Additionally, they track permits and store important files. Unfortunately, old servers can crash. When that happens, borough work stops. Fortunately, this new server keeps everything running smoothly.
Traffic Signal Upgrades: $386,578
Council gave the downtown signal upgrade job to Signal and Lighting Company. The Grantville, PA company won the bid. Notably, the project costs $386,577.92. In fact, this is the biggest spending item from the meeting.
What will the upgrades do? First, they’ll replace old equipment. Second, they’ll improve signal timing. Third, they’ll install LED lights that use less energy. Finally, they’ll add modern controls for better traffic flow.
If you drive through downtown Carlisle, you’ll notice the difference. Specifically, traffic should flow better. Moreover, wait times should be shorter. In addition, crosswalks will be safer for pedestrians.
Demolition Rules Delayed Until November
Council originally planned to discuss new demolition rules. However, they postponed the discussion. Instead, they moved it to November 13, 2025.
Why the delay? A real estate group needs more time. Specifically, they’re waiting on environmental assessment results. Therefore, those results will help shape the demolition rules. Meanwhile, these rules would apply to the urban mixed-use district. Ultimately, they would set standards for tearing down buildings.
If you care about downtown development, watch for this on the November 13 agenda.
Where the Money Comes From
All these expenses went through the Budget and Finance Committee first. As a result, they fit our borough budget. Furthermore, the committee checked that the spending makes sense.
Look at what we’re doing. We’re updating old equipment. At the same time, we’re also protecting the environment. Clearly, the renewable energy shows we care about climate change. Meanwhile, the server and traffic signals keep basic services working.
Conclusion: Clean Energy Plus Better Infrastructure
October 9 was a big day for Carlisle infrastructure. First, we committed to four years of renewable electricity. Second, we’re spending $42,870 on a new server. Third, we’re spending $386,578 on traffic signals.
Beyond borough operations, the PEPC partnership could help too. In fact, Carlisle families might get access to cheaper renewable energy. As a result, that would spread clean energy beyond just borough buildings.
The demolition rules will wait until November. Nevertheless, Council wants all the facts first. Overall, that’s smart governing.
These decisions show balance. On one hand, we’re fixing what needs fixing now. On the other hand, we’re also planning for a cleaner future. Importantly, the renewable energy commitment is real action on climate. Meanwhile, the infrastructure spending keeps our town running well.
For those of us living in Carlisle, this means several things. First, our borough government runs on clean energy now. Second, our downtown traffic will improve. Third, our borough computers won’t crash. Finally, we might get access to affordable renewable energy soon.
