The project will save hundreds of thousands in electricity bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for ratepayers.
The switch to LED technology will see a 247MW a year reduction in power use, delivering savings of about $72,993 each year in maintenance and electricity costs.
Acting infrastructure director Gary George said the LED upgrade was one initiative in council’s strategies to achieve energy and operational efficiencies in the next 10 years.
“Street lighting is a significant expense for council, costing around $178,972 each year and, with more than 1050 street lights across council’s footprint, the upgrade will go a long way in reducing costs and providing significant long-term savings,” he said.
“LED’s are far more energy efficient, require less maintenance and have a significantly longer life.”
Mr Gorge said LED street lights - consuming around 17 watts each - would replace existing high energy lights, which consume between 50 and 100 watts.
“Council is investing around $514,225 to complete the bulk upgrade, with the costs expected to be recouped within a period of 6.47 years.”
Essential Energy continues to work closely with councils across its distribution area.
Street light manager Adele Finch acknowledged the input from Southern Lights NSW Project, whose partners work closely with Essential Energy to ensure the 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 NSW and southern Queensland,” she said.
“Public lighting displays an important role in providing safe, secure and attractive public areas for both pedestrians and motorists.
“The new LED street lighting for Berrigan Shire Council will not only provide a more reliable, better quality lighting service, but will deliver savings of more than 53 per cent in energy consumption.
“This type of light also provides future potential for other types of ‘smart’ applications to be added and will allow Essential Energy to more effectively manage the street light network and respond more promptly to potential outages.”
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