LED street lights to save £240,000 a year in Sandwell
More than 5,000 street lights across Sandwell are to get new LED bulbs, in a move expected to save the council £240,000 a year on electricity bills.
The new lights, which use 74 per cent less energy than standard bulbs, will be installed between now and Christmas.
More than 4,500 new LED streetlights have already been installed in neighbourhoods across Sandwell and, along with the latest bulbs, it will save the cash-strapped authority £240,000 a year in energy costs.
Council bosses said the new LED bulbs are virtually maintenance free and should last up to 25 years, compared to the usual lifespan of six to seven years for a standard streetlight.
They said the energy-efficient lights will also help keep future bills low as energy costs rise, as well as reducing carbon emissions.
Sandwell Council's cabinet member for highways and environment Maria Crompton said: "Our 30,000 street lights use up a lot of energy and cost a huge amount in terms of electricity.
"There are many benefits to the new LED bulbs, not least the amount of money they will save. This saving is vitally important if we are to continue protecting our front line services.
"Becoming more energy efficient and reducing carbon emissions is a really important part of becoming a leaner, more efficient and environmentally cleaner council.
"Savings on energy bills, maintenance costs and carbon tax in the long run will help us meet the financial challenges we face."
