LED streetlight project to provide long-term benefits
Published on 09 June 2020
Work to upgrade more than 3076 streetlights to energy efficient technology will begin this week as part of a major energy efficiency project that will save hundreds of thousands in electricity bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the ratepayers of Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
The switch to LED technology will see a 770 MWh per year reduction in power use, delivering savings of approximately $38,763 each year in maintenance and electricity costs.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council is committed to becoming more sustainable, and the LED upgrade is just one initiative in Council’s long term plan to achieve energy and operational efficiencies
“Streetlighting is a significant expense for Council, costing around $495,000 each year, and with more than 3076 streetlights across Council’s footprint, the upgrade will go a long way to reducing costs and providing significant long-term savings,” said Mayor Bob Kirk
“LEDs are far more energy efficient, require less maintenance and have a significantly longer life. LED streetlights consuming around 17 watts each will replace existing high-energy lights consuming between 50 and 100 watts.”
Essential Energy’s Streetlighting Manager, Adele Finch said the organisation continues to work closely with Councils across its distribution area and is committed to providing information and services that are appropriate to Councils’ needs and those of the communities they serve.
“Essential Energy is responsible for the maintenance and billing of more than 160,000 streetlights serving more than 85 councils across New South Wales and parts of Southern Queensland,” Miss Finch said.
“Public lighting plays an important role in providing safe, secure and attractive public areas for both pedestrians and motorists.”
“The new LED streetlighting for Goulburn Mulwaree Council will not only provide a more reliable, better quality lighting service, but will deliver savings of more than 49.62 per cent in energy consumption.”
“This type of light also provides future potential for other ‘smart’ applications to be added and will allow Essential Energy to more effectively manage the streetlight network and respond more promptly to potential outages,” Miss Finch said.