Energy efficient lighting being rolled out in Moorabool

WORKS have commenced on upgrading almost 2000 public lights in Moorabool Shire, to be both more energy and cost efficient.

Powercor recently began the three month project, which will see public lights in Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and surrounding areas replaced with LED lanterns.

Street lighting is one of Moorabool Shire's biggest energy costs, but the upgrade is expected to save the council $134,000 in maintenance and energy costs each year and millions of dollars during the next 10 years.

The LED lanterns use 80 per cent less energy than the current mercury vapour lights and will save 14,149 tonnes of CO2 emissions during a 20-year period - the equivalent of taking about 3,000 cars off the road for an entire year.

Powercor public lighting manager Noel Twyman said undertaking a bulk replacement of lights in Moorabool Shire was an efficient way to generate a greater benefit in a timely manner.

He said the company had been progressively replacing lights across the network. Last year, 57 per cent of public lights were efficient alternatives, with more than 71 per cent located on minor roads.

Moorabool Shire Mayor David Edwards said the new lights were a prudent financial decision for the council.

"These LED lights not only will provide lower costs, lower energy consumption and lower greenhouse emissions," Cr Edwards said. "They also provide better lighting, including lower glare, better colour and visibility."

Powercor connects, maintains and manages 180,000 street lights for the Department of Transport as well as local councils.

Its proposal for public lighting services for the 2021-2026 period reflects its customers preference to rapidly move towards more efficient lighting.

Anyone who notices a fault with their street light should make a report online or by calling Powercor on 132 412.