LED street lighting upgrade scheme

Information taken from the Swindon Borough Council Website

There are almost 29,000 streetlights on Swindon Borough Council’s highway network. Energy costs have risen sharply in recent years, and are likely to continue to rise in the longer term. The annual cost for street lighting energy is currently over £1.3m, and with current budget restrictions, these costs are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

We are investing £7.2m to convert approximately 28,000 of the Council’s street lighting to LED units over an 18-month period. We will also be undertaking some essential column replacements as part of the scheme. The upgrade is expected to deliver a substantial reduction in the amount of energy purchased and utilised by the Council, aiming for a 61% improvement, while also providing better lighting services for residents and saving approximately £800,000 per year.

There are almost 29,000 streetlights on Swindon Borough Council’s highway network. Energy costs have risen sharply in recent years, and are likely to continue to rise in the longer term. The annual cost for street lighting energy is currently over £1.3m, and with current budget restrictions, these costs are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

We are investing £7.2m to convert approximately 28,000 of the Council’s street lighting to LED units over an 18-month period. We will also be undertaking some essential column replacements as part of the scheme. The upgrade is expected to deliver a substantial reduction in the amount of energy purchased and utilised by the Council, aiming for a 61% improvement, while also providing better lighting services for residents and saving approximately £800,000 per year.

We have listed some questions and answers about the project below. Regular updates will be given on the Council’s social media channels and via our Highways News newsletter.

The programme started in July 2020 starting with major routes in Penhill, Upper Stratton, Blunsdon, Highworth and Rodbourne Cheney. The programme is due to be completed by November 2021.

For more information visit: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20136/transport_strategy/1133/led_street_lighting_upgrade_scheme