The task of replacing more than half the ACT’s streetlights is now under way, with the new private contractor, Electrix Pty Ltd, installing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights in Weston.
Referring to Canberra’s 80,000 lights on streets, footpaths, arterial roads, various parks and open spaces, the Minister for City Services, Chris Steel said more than 45,000 of the lights would be replaced with LED lights over the next seven years.
“There are many advantages of upgrading to this form of technology, including a longer lifespan of up to 20 years, greater energy efficiency and lower maintenance requirements,” Mr Steel said.
“With the current upgrade, a new digital Central Management System is also being developed offering real time monitoring of the network that could automatically detect failures such as a blown bulb or cable problem, allowing repairs to be addressed more quickly.
He said light output from LED streetlights was also highly directional, which meant a higher percentage of the light could be directed towards where it was required, resulting in less wasted and nuisance light.
“The improvements are a key strategic action for the ACT Government that will contribute towards reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, and support our move towards zero net emissions by 2020,” Mr Steel said.
“The replacement of old streetlights with energy efficient LEDs will save the Territory over 80,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year, and save approximately 20,000,000 kWh a year.”
He said the contract with Electrix was expected to save the Territory around $2 million annually in other operation and maintenance costs.
