Switch to LED street lighting saves millions across Western Sydney 

The implementation of an LED street lighting program throughout Western Sydney has resulted in substantial savings for ratepayers and a significant reduction in carbon emissions. This initiative, alongside others, has collectively had an impact comparable to removing 124,585 cars from the road annually.

The recent annual report from the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), representing councils in Greater Western Sydney, highlights the remarkable success of the Western Sydney Energy Program. Barry Calvert, WSROC President and Deputy Mayor of Hawkesbury, said, “Contributing to the savings has been the rollout of modern high-tech LED street lighting across the eight council areas.”

“By June next year, more than 100,000 streetlights will have been changed to LEDs, that alone saving $16.2 million in estimated regional energy costs annually and reducing carbon emissions by 71,378 tonnes,” he said.

LED lighting will save more than $16 million in regional energy costs annually.

Launched in February 2019, this program was a joint endeavor by eight participating councils: Blacktown City, Blue Mountains City, Camden, Cumberland City, Hawkesbury City, The Hills Shire, Liverpool City, and the City of Parramatta. Together, these efforts have cumulatively saved ratepayers $36 million.

The driving force behind has been the implementation of local sustainable energy initiatives and the transition to modern, high-tech LED street lighting across the region. This transition is projected to amass an annual savings of $16.2 million in regional energy costs and a substantial reduction of 71,378 tonnes of carbon emissions. 

WSROC said the combined efforts of these councils have not only bolstered their financial resilience but have also made considerable strides towards a more sustainable future through local energy projects and 100% renewable power purchase agreements.

“The member councils have made excellent progress in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions during the short life of the program. And there’s more to come,” Cr Calvert said. The collaboration extends beyond energy initiatives, as the councils have also joined WSROC’s Western Sydney Electric Vehicle (EV) Roadmap. This roadmap aims to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles, encompassing plans for charging infrastructure, fleet adoption, and community engagement.

The positive outcomes of the Western Sydney Energy Program have extended beyond the council boundaries. More than 1,000 small businesses in the region have benefited from the Business Energy Advice program component, saving an average of $1,394 each on annual energy bills. With Western Sydney’s burgeoning population and its challenging hot climate, the program’s success is crucial in alleviating strain on the electricity grid and mitigating rising energy costs.

Councillor Calvert emphasized the necessity of preparing Western Sydney for an energy-efficient, low-carbon future. “Ensuring that Western Sydney is prepared to transition to an energy-efficient, low-carbon future is critical for our communities.” 

You can read the WSROC Annual Report here:  

https://wsroc.com.au/media-a-resources/reports/summary/3-reports/364-2022-2023-western-sydney-regional-organisation-of-councils-annual-report