Ausgrid will accelerate the replacement of 4,266 of pre-2009 street lights on residential streets in the Bayside local government area with energy efficient LED’s over the next three years.
The council has agreed to fund upfront the accelerated replacement of the lights at a cost of $2.1 million rather that the option of funding it over the next ten years at a cost of around $256,000 a year.
Last week, Bayside Council voted to fund the upfront lighting replacement cost by an internal loan.
Bayside Mayor Bill Saravinovski said Council had agreed to an accelerated replacement program which would see the upgrade occur in a more structured approach over three years rather than on an ad hoc basis as lights needed replacing.
“By upgrading all pre-2009 lights with more efficient and reliable LEDs council will also save over $350,000a year,” Mayor Bill Saravinovski said.
Ausgrid owns and maintains 10,944 street lights with the Bayside local government area which the council pays for the use including the 4,266 pre-2009 lights on residential streets which can be cost-effectively replaced by newer, more efficient LEDs.
“Ausgrid will eventually replace all pre-2009 street lights with LED lights but this could take years,” Councillor Saravinovski said.
“There are 10,944 street lights just in the Bayside Local Government ARea and currently they are only upgraded as they need replacing.
“This is an exciting partnership which will result in a more efficient street lighting network. The LEDs use less energy, are easier to maintain, have better lighting attributes and are expected to last up to 20 years.
“The new street lights will be good for the environment, good for council’s finances and we all know good street lighting is an important part of making our community safer,” he said.
If anyone notices a streetlight not working correctly they can report it via the online map-based tool at ausgrid.com.au/streetlights or by calling the dedicated street lighting phone number on 1800 044 808.
