ANDREW Barr is calling for expressions of interest for the management of Canberra’s streetlights to deliver combined solutions that reduce maintenance and operational costs, achieve improved energy efficiency and environmental outcomes and explore innovative ideas in line with the government’s smart city initiatives.

“These streetlights are our largest ongoing electricity cost, accounting for 25 per cent of the ACT Government’s electricity use and 18 per cent of its total greenhouse gas emissions,” Andrew said.

“The ACT Government currently owns and manages more than 75,000 lights on streets, footpaths, arterial roads and in various public parks and open spaces around Canberra.

“As part of the government’s commitment to making Canberra a more sustainable city and a leading digital city, we are inviting interested parties to put forward innovative solutions for the management of our streetlights.

“We are particularly interested in proposals that deliver combined solutions to reduce maintenance and operational costs, achieve improved energy efficiency and environmental outcomes and explore innovative ideas in line with the government’s smart city initiatives.

“The Government welcomes innovative solutions that would save the taxpayers money and provide best practice maintenance and management of our streetlights. All proposals – including, but certainly not limited to ‘sale and leaseback’ – will be carefully considered before making a decision on the future of the management of Canberra’s streetlights. The priority is to find the best way to ensure Canberrans benefit from efficient, affordable, well-maintained lighting.

For further details and to view the Request of Expression of Interest (No. 26287) documentation, visit the Tenders ACT website at tenders.act.gov.au and register.