The first phase of the changeover will begin in late September, due to be completed by mid-October 2014. The second change over phase will occur next financial year.
Mayor Jenny Houlihan said “It is great that we will have 1,920 lights changed over this financial year and the remaining 1,920 lights changed next financial year. The Greater Shepparton City Council will have brighter lights and globes that will last longer. This will help reduce our greenhouse emissions and help save money as councils will not have to replace street lights as often.
“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to organise this project, Greater Shepparton City Council are one of nine councils involved in the Watts Working Better Project, which we are the lead council” said Cr Houlihan.
The Watts Working Better project alliance consists of the Goulburn Broken CMA, Benalla, Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Mansfield, Moira, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Strathbogie and partner Wangaratta Councils.
The overall project involves changing 12,661 street lights to more energy efficient alternatives, reducing energy use by 3,644,863 kWh per year. This will contribute to a reduction in greenhouse emissions by 85,700 tonnes over 20 years and a projected cost saving of $782,921 per year across the nine councils.
All nine councils involved in the project will also contribute council funding to the project with the overall project cost $4.68 million dollars, saving councils over $15.6 million over a 20 year period. Watts Working Better has the greatest potential for energy and greenhouse savings of any efficiency project within each council operations.
For more information to find out when your street lights will be changed over visit:
Or contact Greater Shepparton City Council
http://www.greatershepparton.com.au/watts-working-better-project or phone 5832 9700
