Scheme to replace West Suffolk's streetlights with LEDs hailed a 'success story'
The scheme is now expected to save over 200 tonnes of CO2 every year
A scheme to replace streetlights in West Suffolk with LEDs has been hailed a ‘success story’.
West Suffolk Council announced it would spend £1 million to replace around 1,500 parish and town council-owned street lights, as well as reimburse replacements made since April 2022, in September last year.
Now, Cllr Gerald Kelly, who oversaw the delivery of the scheme, has given an update on what he dubbed a “success story”, saying: "As far as the parishes are concerned, it will give them the opportunity for ongoing savings as we progress — it was an astonishingly good exercise in spotting opportunities.”
The scheme is now expected to save over 200 tonnes of CO2 every year, in contrast to the 80 tonnes initially predicted, as well as benefit taxpayers around £100,000 in energy cost savings across the 15 parish councils involved.
Asked how taxpayers in West Suffolk would see benefits, Cllr Kelly said: “The bottom line is that if the lights have been replaced, which is what the scheme is about, then as a matter of course electricity costs are going to basically plummet.
“It’s either the parish precept which doesn’t need to be pushed up or else the money can then be used for other things town and parish councils use it for.”
The scheme also came in under budget, at just over £700,000, with councillors deciding the remaining amount should be invested in other carbon-reducing schemes.
This means councillors will be able to work with community groups and put together bids for a portion of the money — this could include converting floodlights on sports fields to LED, solar and battery arrangements for community halls, and the delivery of air source heat pumps.
Cllr Kelly said: “It’s a terrific opportunity to make the best use of a relatively small amount of money because it can be the starting point for a lot more.
“If you’ve got a scheme that is worthwhile, we will do the rest.”
He also added the council remained hopeful all streetlights owned by all councils in the district would be LED by March 2025.