Ealing Council may follow Harrow in upgrading the borough’s streetlights to more energy-efficient LED bulbs.
The council hope it could save up to half the energy cost of running streetlights. Harrow agreed recelty to do the same thing.
The council has 21,890 standard and 2,545 ornate sodium streetlights. All are maintained under a 25-year PFI contract with Scottish and Southern Electric, with 18 years remaining.
Ealing’s plan is to replace all of the standard sodium lights with LED. The ornate sodium lights in conservation areas will remain for now, as the LED technology for this type of lamp is still relatively undeveloped.
The council says it’s decision is motivated by cost – the unit cost of energy is at an all-time high, with prices expected to rise even further in the future, and the council will become liable for a new carbon tax from 2014 estimated at more than £80,000 per year.
LED’s use less electricity and last longer. They are also brighter, providing road safety and crime prevention benefits.
