Geelong’s streets go smart: LED revolution cuts carbon and costs

THE City of Greater Geelong, in partnership with Powercor, is nearing completion of Australia’s largest council-led smart street lighting rollout.

Over the past 4.5 years, the city has replaced more than 22,000 outdated street lights and replaced them with energy-efficient LED fittings.

The new LED lights are up to 82 per cent more energy efficient than the previous lights and are already being used in municipalities across the state.

This rollout has produced an annual operational saving of around $2.2 million and an annual greenhouse gas reduction of more than 3,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the smart LED technology not only improves public safety and lighting quality, it dramatically reduces the city’s energy use and carbon footprint.

The new lights will also be equipped with smart control technology and a Central Management System, allowing them to be remotely monitored.

The system is being developed by Powercor and is scheduled for commissioning by the end of the year.

“The smart control system opens the door to future Smart City innovations,” Cr Kontelj said.

Powercor public lighting and asset manager, Noel Twyman, said the LED fittings will provide more efficient lighting and lower maintenance costs.

“The smart technology in these lights will enable real-time management of our public light network, not just for the City of Greater Geelong but ultimately all councils across our network,” he added.

Cr Elise Wilkinson, chair of the council’s environment and circular economy portfolio, said the city is leading the way in sustainability and safety.

“The scale of this project sets a benchmark for other councils across the country and highlights the City’s commitment to innovation and environmental leadership.”

The city says it is exploring ways to optimise the new smart lighting system and the possibility of adaptive lighting designs for further environmental and financial benefits.