It is part of a wider program where Ausgrid has offered 33 councils the option to accelerate the replacement of 100,000 older residential streetlights across our network. 

Chief operating officer Trevor Armstrong said 933 streetlights within the Singleton Council area would be switched to LED lamps. 

“Our accelerated replacement of streetlights with LEDs is the first of its kind and Ausgrid is proud to be playing a leading role in this area,” he explained.

“I’m delighted we will be working together with Singleton Council on this important initiative. 

“These new LEDs are more energy efficient, easier to maintain and will last up to 20 years. 

“It can take up to 95 watts to power older streetlights whereas the new LEDs use just 17 watts. 

“We know that streetlights are an important part of making our community safer and residents have told us they prefer the lighting quality and colour of LEDs.”

The project will lower council’s carbon emissions by 270 tonnes a year and also provide an annual energy saving of 258 MWh. 

Singleton mayor Sue Moore said as well as environmental benefits, the initiative delivered significant cost savings to the community. 

“Based on current costs, council has calculated energy cost savings are expected to be $38,671 per year and annual maintenance cost savings of $13,621 per year,” Cr Moore said.

“There are also significant social advantages to the LED lamps because they deliver higher quality white light, which will improve security and wellbeing for the community. 

“The people of Singleton have a high commitment to environmental sustainability and we look forward to working with Ausgrid to see this project to fruition.”

Work to replace the streetlights will begin in January.

Ausgrid maintains 250,000 streetlights on behalf of councils in parts of Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter and it is continuing talks with other local councils about extending the accelerated rollout of LEDs.