Street lighting partnership delivers sustainable savings for Singleton

Published on 20 July 2021

The streets of Singleton are significantly more energy-efficient with Singleton Council and Ausgrid’s partnership to replace local streetlights with new, more reliable LEDs now 99 per cent complete.

The replacement of 989 Ausgrid-owned lights has occurred over three years, beginning in 2019. And while the project is expected to pay for itself within the next three years, energy consumption has already been slashed by almost a quarter. 

Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr, Council’s Director Infrastructure and Planning said the project was a win-win because it supported Council’s ongoing improvements to financial management, as well as reducing our environmental footprint and commitment to sustainability.  

“Never before has local action had such potential for global outcomes, and with an ever-growing emphasis on climate change and conversations happening around the world about the future of energy and consumption, there has never been a more critical time for tangible local action,” he said.  

“With the street light replacement roll out almost complete, we’ve already seen a 24 per cent reduction in energy usage, which is projected to continue to decrease by over 76 per cent – that’s a reduction of 244.9 tonnes of CO2-e each year.

“The new LEDs last up to 20 years, and use just 17 watts to power  -- that’s up to 82 per cent less than the old streetlights.

“In terms of financial savings, Council recorded a reduction of $40,375.19 in electricity for the 2020/2021 financial year compared to the previous year, and over $33,000 the year before that, which is a significant saving for ratepayers.

“The new LEDs will also cut Council’s long-term costs of street lighting and reduce exposure to higher energy prices in the future, so we will feel the benefits of this program long after it has paid for itself.”

Mr Fitzpatrick Barr said perhaps most importantly, the energy efficiencies of LEDs would deliver a 76 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the lights being replaced over the next 10 years.

“There are also significant social advantages to the LED lamps because they deliver higher quality white light, which improves transport connectivity, security and wellbeing outcomes for our community,” he said.

“Our community told us they want meaningful action that minimises our environmental footprint and does not compromise the economic viability and social vibrancy of our community into the future, and this is another way Council is acting to reduce our impact.”

 

ENDS