LED streetlighting change to deliver $3.2m saving

A program to replace inefficient mercury vapour lamps with energy-saving LED streetlighting across seven Western Sydney councils is expected to deliver over $3m in savings each year.

The initiative is part of the Western Sydney Energy Program and made possible through an agreement with Endeavour Energy, the electricity distributor for the region.

More than 52,000 fittings will be installed across Blacktown City, Blue Mountains City, Cumberland City, Hawkesbury City, The Hills Shire, Lithgow City and Liverpool City, reducing greenhouse gases by 14,000 TCO₂ and delivering brighter, more reliable lighting that will improve public safety.

“We are pleased to partner with our Western Sydney councils to achieve both environmental and financial benefits for their communities,” said Andrew Pitman, General Manager of Business Services, Endeavour Energy.

“The new LED streetlights are up to 60% more energy efficient and have a significantly longer life than mercury lights lasting up to 20 years.

“Across Western Sydney, the program will save more than 14,000 of TCO₂. each year — that’s equivalent to taking over 6000 cars off the road for a year.

“By using this new technology, we are able to provide more efficient and sustainable public lighting that will improve the safety of local communities while also saving ratepayers money,” he said.

Endeavour Energy is investing $50 million in the council streetlight upgrade across the Endeavour Energy network which is expected to be completed by 2024.

The Western Sydney Energy Program is coordinated by Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), the peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney.

“Street lighting makes up a very large part of councils’ electricity bill,” said WSROC President Councillor Barry Calvert.

“Through the Western Sydney Energy Program, WSROC works closely with Western Sydney councils and in partnership with Endeavour Energy to replace older, inefficient streetlights with the latest energy-saving LED lights.

“Public street lighting costs ratepayers millions of dollars each year, with street lighting dominating councils’ energy costs. So, anything councils can do to reduce costs — and carbon emissions — will allow councils to redirect funding to other projects, infrastructure and wider services.

“The Western Sydney Energy Program is among the most ambitious street lighting replacement projects NSW has ever seen,” he said.

Image caption: Energy Australia technician installs new energy-saving LED streetlights.