Somerset County Council are set to upgrade its street lighting with energy-efficient LEDs across Minehead, Street and Taunton. 

The upgrade is said to be a major step toward the ambition of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2030. In total 20,000 light points will be upgraded. The new bulbs are expected to save £160,000 per year in energy costs. 

The council are working with lighting company Signify. The lighting company claims to be “the world leader in lighting.” 

County Councillor Mike Rigby said: ““We selected to work with Signify for the breadth of its product range and expertise.”

He added: “Committing now to 100% LED street lighting helps us reap immediate rewards by cutting energy costs so we can continue to provide great value to the people of Somerset. And at the same time, we take a big step forward in our longer-term ambition for a carbon-neutral Somerset by 2030.”

In a statement Signify said: “By using retrofit lamps, the county will transform traditional lanterns to reap the benefits of high-performance, energy-saving technology. This retrofit solution avoids high upfront costs, prolongs the life of traditional lanterns, and preserves the county’s historic appeal.” 

Simon Greenwood, Trade Sales Director at Signify said: “Combining new and retrofit lighting solutions offers the best of both worlds, giving new life to existing lighting assets and creating major energy savings with low upfront costs and minimal disruption. I am very proud of Signify’s role in supporting Somerset as it pursues its ambition to be carbon neutral on a county-wide scale.” 

The project is to be carried out with the support of the Council’s Term Maintenance contractor, ENERVEO, which manages over one million street lamps.