Mayor Dave turns Street Lights Green

Streetlights across Bedford Borough will now be powered by renewable energy after the Council agreed a new electricity and gas contract with suppliers.

The Council is responsible for more than 14,000 street lights across the borough and this development demonstrates the Council's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by using sustainable energy supplies wherever possible.

The Council has also secured the installation of meters which will allow automatic meter readings to be taken for electricity and gas. This avoids the need for estimated readings and will help to monitor energy usage - allowing the Council to identify future areas for savings.

The new contract comes into effect from 1st October and runs until 30th September 2012 and secures gas and electricity supplies for all Council buildings, including schools, leisure centres and satellite offices.

The Council is committed to becoming more sustainable and has signed up to both the 10:10 initiative and is also taking part in the Local Authority Carbon Management Programme with the aspirational target of reducing its carbon footprint by 40% over 5 years.

Bedford Borough's Liberal Democrat Mayor, Dave Hodgson, said: "It is excellent news our 14,000 street lights will now be powered by renewable energy. This will save approximately 3,000 tonnes of CO2 per year and demonstrates our commitment to protecting the environment and reducing our carbon footprint whilst continuing to provide an excellent service for the people of Bedford Borough.

"However, I believe we can do more and I hope we can increase our use of renewable energy in the future across our entire range of services. This will also help us to meet our commitments in line with the 10:10 carbon reduction initiative.

"Our gas and electricity consumption, although absolutely vital to our operations, is responsible for around 90% of our overall carbon footprint. It is therefore vital we secure the best possible deal for local taxpayers and the environment.

"This is just another example of how Liberal Democrats in Bedford Borough are improving the area's environment."