Darwin is powering ahead with the roll out of new smart technology lighting despite restrictions brought on by COVID-19.
The initiative will see nearly 9500 public and street lights converted to a ‘smart’ lighting system, saving ratepayers more than $600,000 per annum when complete.
The smart technology roll out will see existing street lighting upgraded to LED, providing better lighting, reducing power costs, increasing maintenance efficiencies and reducing emissions by nearly 50 per cent.
Smart controls mean that faults are reported immediately and initial investigations done remotely, with staff deployed only after initial fault checks are complete – saving time and money.
Another benefit is that the new lights seamlessly adjust to changing environmental conditions throughout the day and over the course of the year.
“Most of the old lighting system had to be manually adjusted at different times of the year,” Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said.
“Sunrise and sunset are at different times throughout the year and the new technology means the lighting system automatically senses whether street lights need to be off or on.”
“This smart lighting system complements the Smart Darwin technology rolled out across Darwin city last year and sets a national benchmark.”
“Our community expects Council to manage assets in the most cost effective way and this new smart lighting technology does just that.”
