18 February 2019
Ratepayers are set to save $40,000 a year in electricity network and consumption charges with an upgrade of the streetlights in Salt and Casuarina next month.
Council has taken advantage of a bulk offer from Essential Energy to replace the decorative streetlights, which are near the ends of their useful lives, with standard LED fittings and bulbs at a cost of $135,000.
The existing mercury vapour bulbs use 125 watts of electricity while their LED replacements will use just 17 watts, avoiding 156 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions going into the environment – the equivalent annual emissions from nine average households.
The LED lights also have a guaranteed longer lifespan than the old bulbs.
“While we appreciate the decorative fittings were used as a marketing point of difference when the two developments were established, that uniqueness means they do not exist elsewhere across the Essential Energy network and spare parts are not stocked, are difficult to source and expensive to purchase,” Manager Roads and Stormwater Danny Rose said.
An information flyer detailing the upgrade will be distributed to residents this week.
Residents wanting to see the new style of streetlight can do so at the roundabout on Bells Boulevard and Gunnamatta Avenue, Salt.
Residents can provide their feedback or ask questions about the upgrade by visiting https://www.yoursaytweed.com.au/salt-and-casuarina-streetlighting-upgrade
Photo 1(JPG, 193KB)
Caption: An example of the new style of LED lights to be fitted at Salt and Casuarina.