The first LED installation supported by the New Generation Fund programme and financed by Power to Change has been completed in the main hall of Guilden Sutton Village Hall. It is a pilot project from which CCEL are testing their installation procedures for the full programme of 15 installations in the 2 year programme. The programme is set up to test the viability and practicality of a Community Energy Company installing LED lighting in public buildings to provide an income stream to be used for future project development and community benefit. Other benefits are embedded in the programme, such as enhanced lighting, reduced energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint for the recipient building.

Guilden Sutton Village Hall is a well-managed facility, used by many community groups. The lighting was dated, almost exclusively using florescent tube technology, with some lamps not available any more. The management committee were interested in the pay-back scheme that is incorporated into the programme but not yet available due to delays in receiving a licence from the Financial Conduct Authority to provide consumer credit. Instead, they opted to have the main hall lighting replaced on a lump sum agreement, as the existing lighting was not fit for purpose.

The new lighting replaces 16 x T8 x 1500mm florescent tubes with Aurora Lighting LED battens 1800mm, rated at 73 watts per fitting (replacing 144 watt unit). The new lighting delivers 16 x 8800 = 140800 lumens which is significantly brighter than the old lighting, even though it uses 50% less energy. The light fittings have an expected life of 70,000 hours and a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years. The lighting was installed by Barlows of Malpas who have agreed to work as a partner with CCEL on the programme.

The coronavirus pandemic has halted the programme temporarily. Further installations have already been agreed at 2 more community buildings on a lump sum payment basis. CCEL are hopeful that they will be able to work with the borough council (CWAC) to replace old lighting in some of their public buildings.