Western Sydney set for major streetlight upgrade

Following an agreement with Endeavour Energy, seven Western Sydney councils will install 52,200 energy-saving LED streetlights, replacing older, less efficient ‘mercury vapour’ light bulbs.

Under the Western Sydney Energy Program, the rollout of LED streetlights is expected to save ratepayers more than $3.2 million in energy costs each year and reduce greenhouse gases by 14,000 tCO₂. 

The councils participating in the program are Blacktown City, Blue Mountains City, Cumberland City, Hawkesbury City, The Hills Shire, Lithgow City and Liverpool City.

Andrew Pitman, General Manager of Business Services, Endeavour Energy, said the LED streetlights are up to 60% more efficient than mercury lights and can last up to 20 years.

“By using this new technology, we are able to provide more efficient and sustainable public lighting that will improve the safety of local communities while also saving ratepayers money,” he said.

Endeavour Energy is investing $50 million in the upgrade, which is expected to be completed by 2024.

The program is coordinated by Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC).

Barry Calvert, WSROC President, said street lighting is a big part of councils’ electricity bill and any efforts to reduce costs will help redirect funding to other projects and infrastructure.

“The Western Sydney Energy Program is among the most ambitious street lighting replacement projects NSW has ever seen,” Pitman said.