Work to upgrade more than 738 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 Cabonne Shire Council.
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The switch to LED technology will reduce power usage by around 50% per year and deliver savings of up to 25% each year in maintenance and electricity costs.
Cabonne Mayor, Kevin Beatty said LED streetlights consuming around 17 watts each will replace existing high-energy lights consuming between 50 and 100 watts.
"Council is investing approximately $430,000 to complete the bulk upgrade, with the costs expected to be recouped within a period of 4.97 years."
Cabonne Councillor, Peter Batten, who is a key supporter of energy innovation for Council said Cabonne Shire Council was committed to becoming more sustainable, and the LED upgrade is just one initiative in Council's strategies to achieve energy and operational efficiencies in the coming years.
"LEDs are far more energy efficient, require less maintenance and have a significantly longer life" Essential Energy streetlight manager Waide Elliott 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," Mr Elliott 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 Cabonne Shire Council will not only provide a more reliable, better quality lighting service, but will deliver savings of more than 57.17 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," Mr Elliott said.
