Victorian councils $340 million savings lighting the way
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Victorian councils $340 million savings lighting the way
With rising energy prices and concerns about the future of our environment, councils are reaping big savings from the switch to energy efficient lighting.
Cr Bill McArthur, President of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) said that committing to a sustainable future had become core business, with over 80 per cent of councils making the transition to green lighting as a way to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“These pioneering energy saving projects will result in combined financial savings of up to $340 million over time - a massive windfall for councils and ratepayers.
“Forty-eight Victorian councils have sourced funding through the federal Community Energy Efficiency Program to transition to energy efficient street lighting.
“We understand that all Victorian councils that were successful in their funding requests have signed agreements with the Australian Government.
“However, we call on the new Minister for Environment, Greg Hunt, to provide assurances to councils that these contracts will be honoured. Energy efficient street lighting provides real savings and aligns with the Government’s ‘Direct Action’ approach.
“The election of a new Australian Government brings new opportunities and different thinking to reducing carbon emissions. We look forward to working with the new Government to find effective ways to tap into the local government sector’s drive and initiative in reducing energy use and carbon emissions,” he said.
The MAV and project partner Ironbark Sustainability are providing a program to support local government’s energy efficient street lighting bulk changeovers. Over the past 12 months we have worked with councils to develop project plans, design specifications, a procurement panel and implementation support.
Cr McArthur said councils had been purchasing thousands of approved energy efficient street lights through the MAV Procurement panel, following a competitive tender process conducted on behalf of 45 councils.
“With each light that is changed, nearly 70 per cent of the old lamp’s energy is saved.
“Based on current and funded projects, over 183 000 inefficient 80 watt mercury vapour lights will be replaced over four years, saving 1.21 million tonnes of greenhouse gas over the life of the new lights.
“This is equivalent to taking 270 198 Australian cars off the road for a year, or lighting 1 549 137 average Australian homes for a year – an extraordinary feat.
“The MAV was disappointed when the Victorian Government axed its $20 million Green Lights election commitment last year. However we urge them to retain the Energy Saver Incentive that is currently under review, and develop a methodology so certificates can be generated for energy efficient street lighting.
“The State can also support Victoria’s green energy future by ensuring there is consistency between electricity distributors on the interpretation of ‘contestability’ under public lighting laws and guidelines. This will give communities the best value for money and the best service,” he said.