New light on globes

By Casey Neill
KNOX councillors could spend $2.2 million on light bulbs in a contentious new energy-saving plan.
Councillors will consider allocating budget cash to replace more than 9000 80-watt mercury vapour street lights in the city with twin 14W T5 lanterns.
The new lights are more than 60 per cent more energy efficient and could save the council up to $220,000 in electricity each year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The council would start to see a return on its investment by 2018 and possibly, earlier if electricity prices increased as predicted in the council’s Long Term Financial Strategy.
But Taylor Ward councillor Darren Pearce slammed the predicted 10-year investment return as “completely outrageous”.
“There are so many things that can go wrong,” he said.
Cr Pearce said the technology could be superseded in three years time. “We assume, we assume, we assume,” he said.
“There are too may unknowns to commit $2.2 million of taxpayers’ money.”
He said the councillors should not worry about leading the environment charge.
“Our responsibility ends at the borders of Knox. That’s what we were elected to do,” he said.
“Our overall impact on the environment will be nothing. It’s a token political statement.”
Cr Joe Cossari did not believe the predicted savings.
“Where are the facts that they do save money?” he said.
“This is like buying a Tattslotto ticket, hoping to win.”
Baird Ward’s Cr Peter Cole asked councillors if they were “jumping too early”.
“But I think there is a lot of good in this,” he said.
Cr Adam Gill said the move would mean a clear cash-saving each year.
“Sometimes those savings need an initial outlay,” he said.
“It is irresponsible to use a street light double the electricity it actually needs.”
Cr Gill rejected claims that the lights would soon be obsolete. The process to approve the T5 bulb for streetlight use took four years.
“It is an extremely long process and with good reason,” he said.
Chandler Ward Cr John Mortimore said no one would have a computer if they waited for perfection.
“It’s the same with any technology,” he said.
“Why shouldn’t we be leaders? We all have to do something and we can’t wait until everybody else has.”
Cr Mick Van de Vreede said other councils following suit would lead to a massive greenhouse reduction.
“It’s about showing some leadership, taking the bull by the horns and running with it,” he said.
T5 lamps are shaped like traditional fluorescent tubes but have a smaller diameter.
A pair of the globes would produce the same light as an 80W globe using 28W.
The council will need to replace the light fittings to accommodate the new globes.
Street light bulbs are replaced every four years while the sensor that turns the light on and off is changed every eight years.
The lights and sensors are both scheduled for replacement.
The council’s Vision 2025 document sets the goal of achieving zero net emissions by 2025, and its Sustainable Environment Strategy actions include reducing energy use in streetlights.