A pilot scheme to test the feasibility of switching off street lights in certain areas to save money on energy costs has been approved by Neath Port Talbot Council in Wales. The scheme involves switching off 133 street lanterns across seven locations during the small hours to conduct a satisfactory impact assessment on potential cost-saving measures. The trial is scheduled for November 2024 and will focus on urban and densely populated areas across the authority. The selected areas for the trial were chosen to provide a geographic spread.
This initiative follows concerns raised by members of a scrutiny committee earlier this year regarding the proposals. The results of the trial will be reported back to councillors for further discussions. The decision to trial part-night lighting aims to lead to significant cost savings for the local authority. It is estimated that implementing part-night lighting could save up to £180,000 annually out of the current street lighting energy budget of £1.18 million.
During the trial period, street lights will be turned off between 1 am and 5 am in areas like Sandfields, Cwmavon, and Skewen. The potential savings could eventually result in the switching off of around 14,000 lanterns during the small hours. Neath Port Talbot Council cabinet members unanimously approved the part-night lighting pilot at a meeting held on September 11. The council plans to monitor the outcomes of the trial before making any further decisions.
The initiative is part of wider energy-saving strategies discussed by the council earlier in the year, with additional dimming of lights also being approved. The focus now is on testing the impact of part-night lighting to assess its effectiveness in reducing costs. The council aims to explore various energy-saving measures to manage its street lighting energy budget. Residents can expect the trial to commence in November 2024 across select areas in Neath Port Talbot.