£6m LED lights to save £500k per year

The London Borough of Ealing's 25,000 streetlights are to undergo a £6m switch to energy-efficient LED lighting, starting from next month.

According to the council, the streets of Ealing will not only be safer, but they'll also recoup £500,000 a year in savings. This means their investment will be fully paid for in just 12 years.

The council estimate that street lighting electricity bills will be reduced by up to 50%, saving them £400,000 annually. An extra £100,000 a year will be saved in maintenance costs thanks to the longevity and reliability of LED lighting.

SEE Enterprise Contracting will be responsible for maintenance and the removal of the existing sodium lights. All of the new streetlights are predicted to be installed by October 2016.

Beyond the financial savings the council will make, there are many additional safety benefits.

LEDs produce a whiter light than their traditional counterparts, which offers enhanced lucidity for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “Everyone wants to save money on their energy bills and, given the significant savings we have to make, this deal is a no-brainer with better lighting and significant savings for the council and residents.”

Mark Rough, SSE Enterprise Contracting Group Operations Director, said: “Street lighting technology has developed significantly in recent years, both in terms of performance and efficiency. “It is therefore no surprise that Ealing Council is keen to take advantage of the benefits that come with upgrading to LED technology and we are delighted to be working with the local authority on this project.”

Source: http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/6m-led-lights-make-saving-8857633