£5million to be invested in new street lighting

The vast majority of street lights in towns and villages across Moray are to be replaced with more energy efficient technology.

Councillors have agreed to allocate £5million in the council’s financial capital plan for the installation of LED lighting over the next five years.

The council is responsible for around 17,300 street lights of which more than 7000 will fail new EU regulations while a similar number use old technology which is less energy efficient.

Although the purchase cost of LED lights is higher, whole life costs are lower. LED lights use less power, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint, and there are also reduced maintenance costs.

Councillors were told the LED lights had a lifespan of 80,000 to 120,000 hours – equivalent to 20 to 30 years if lit for eight hours a day.

A report to full council earlier this week said: “Annual recurring savings of £540,000 on energy and maintenance are estimated on completion of the replacement programme. These savings more than cover the cost of financing the project.”

Council convener Councillor Allan Wright said: “This is a very good example of spending now to save in the longer term and also underlines the council’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions still further.”

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 92,500 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.