Hampshire to Install 26,000 LED Streetlights in Major Energy-Saving Upgrade

Hampshire County Council is set to roll out more than 26,000 new LED streetlights from next month as part of a large-scale scheme aimed at reducing energy use, lowering carbon emissions and delivering long-term cost savings.

The initiative will see older lighting units replaced with modern LED technology, which is significantly more energy efficient. The council expects the upgrade to cut electricity consumption and associated carbon emissions by around 60%, while also improving lighting quality and durability.

Councillor Lulu Bowerman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Passenger Services, said the project represents another step towards the council’s environmental goals.

She explained that the investment would not only reduce energy usage and emissions but also generate ongoing financial savings, helping to offset the initial costs while providing better lighting for communities across Hampshire.

The programme will be delivered in two stages. The first phase, starting in April, will focus on non-residential roads, with around 9,300 lights scheduled for installation by the end of the year. A second phase will follow, introducing a further 17,500 LED units across residential streets and main routes, with completion expected by spring 2028.

Installation work is designed to be efficient, with each light typically replaced within 15 to 20 minutes. While disruption is expected to be minimal, temporary traffic management may be required in some locations to ensure safety during the works. The project will be delivered by the council’s streetlighting contractor, Enerveo.

Once complete, the council will manage more than 38,000 LED streetlights, accounting for roughly a quarter of all street lighting in the county. LED lighting is already widely used in environmentally sensitive areas such as the South Downs and New Forest National Parks and is standard in new developments and infrastructure schemes.

Further details on installation locations are available via the council’s website.