LED streetlight project to provide long-term benefits

Published on 02 November 2021

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Work to upgrade more than 1310 streetlights to energy efficient technology will commence this month 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 Murray River Council.

The switch to LED technology will see a 309.5 MWh per year reduction in power use, delivering savings of approximately $83,644.00 each year in maintenance and electricity costs.

Murray River Council’s Director of Infrastructure, Jack Bond said Council was committed to becoming more sustainable, with the LED upgrade just one initiative in Council’s strategies to achieve energy and operational efficiencies now and into the future.

“Streetlighting has always been a significant expense for Council, costing more than $200,000 every year.”

“We currently have over 1300 streetlights across the footprint, so the upgrade will certainly go a long way to reducing costs and providing significant long-term savings,” he said 

Mr Bond said LED streetlights consuming around 17 watts each will replace existing high-energy lights consuming between 50 and 100 watts.

“Council is investing approximately $763,266.00 to complete the bulk upgrade, with the costs expected to be recouped within a period of 7 years.”

“LEDs are far more energy efficient, require less maintenance and have a significantly longer life,” he said.

Essential Energy streetlight 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.

Miss Finch acknowledged the valuable input from the Southern Lights NSW Project, whose partners are working closely with Essential Energy to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

“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 Murray River Council will not only provide a more reliable, better quality lighting service, but will deliver savings of more than 54 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.

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