Those were excuses to overlook the historic value. At least in my neighborhood which has been designated historic. This is a green play. Another ignorant green play.
I contacted my local government about it and they said it was a power company decision. I contacted the power company and they said it was a local government decision. You do the math.
Sorry, but old, crappy, dim streetlights with poor part availability and weak reliability have no "historic value", except if you donate them to a museum.