More than 730 new, low-energy LED street lights arrived in Warrnambool recently.
Council is replacing old street lights with the newer technology lights which last longer and use less energy.
“This is the second wave of street light upgrades we have done following a large changeover about five years ago,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Vicki Jellie said.
The replacement schedule includes a mix of LEDs, all with reduced wattage but a comparable light output to the old light globes they are replacing.
– 17W LEDs will replace existing 32W, 42 and 80W lights;
– 70W LEDs will replace existing 150W lights;
– 150W LEDs will replace existing 250W lights; and
– 275W LEDs will replace existing 400W lights.
A further 184 lights, which are assembled in Sydney, are expected to arrive by mid-December.
“Overall, we will replace 916 lights and residents can expect to see cherry pickers out and about from January next year fitting the new lights to existing poles.
“The supply and installation of lights will cost in excess of $900,000 but from the moment they first switch on they will deliver energy savings.
“It is a significant investment with an expected payback period of seven to eight years.
“Energy savings are expected to be in the order of 275,000 kWh or 275 MWh per year.
“According to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources this is the equivalent energy used by about 45 average Australian homes each year.
“Over the 20-year life of the lights that’s a considerable saving and represents 6 per cent of the total annual Council electricity consumption (2019-2020).
“The project will avoid 295 tonnes of carbon dioxide which is equivalent to removing 100 cars off the roads each year year.”
The old street lights will be recycled.
