Archived decisions

Contact: Tony Stephens, ext 6938

1. Summary

1.1 This report covers the new street lighting contract and programmes for 2002/03.

2. Background

2.1 April 2002 was the start date for two new major contracts associated with the procurement of the street lighting service within Hampshire. The award of the contract for the supply of un-metered electricity for street lighting, signs and traffic lights to Scottish and Southern Energy was approved by the Executive Member for Environment on 10 September 2001. The contract, which reflects a 95% brown/5% green energy mix, began on 1 April 2002. The annual cost of this contract is very close to the price which was paid for 100% brown energy during 2001/02. This contract, which is at a fixed price for two years, represents good value and achieves progress towards the County Council's target of achieving a 90% brown/10% green energy mix by 2010.

2.2 The previous contract for the maintenance of street lighting equipment by David Webster Limited ended in March 2002. A new contract, based on price, quality and added value, has been awarded to Southern Electric Contracting and began on 1 April 2002. The contract will now also include the supply of labour and materials for the column replacement programme. An assessment of the cost of the new contract compared to the previous arrangements has been carried out. This indicates that the cost of the new contract, which is fixed in price for the first year, is lower by 0.8%, in comparison with the cost of the previous contract during 2001/02.

2.3 These contracts are now getting established and the normal percentage of lights `on' is now being maintained at or about the 99% mark. The following paragraphs provide a brief outline of the work.

3. Maintenance

3.1 There are currently 15,244 items of illuminated street furniture being maintained in the Eastleigh area. The percentage of lights on for August 2002 was 99.3%. In addition there is a high level of waste recycling included within the contract, with an expectation of over 80% being reprocessed.

4. Energy

4.1 On 1 April 2002 a new energy supply contract commenced with Scottish and Southern Energy. This requires the contractor to supply 5% of the energy from renewable resources such as wind, or gas derived from closed waste sites. The lower rates obtained via the contract should ensure downward pressure on prices for the next two years, even with the introduction of the climate change levy.

5. Column Replacement

5.1 The column replacement programme continues with a budget of some £850,000 for the present year. This will replace and improve lighting to those streets in Hampshire where the greatest need arises. It is hoped that Local Transport Plan funding may be made available in future to deal with corroding columns. However, funding will need to increase significantly to provide for the 50 year cycle replacement currently required. There is one scheme, Grantham Avenue, Hamble programmed within Eastleigh Borough Council for 2002/03.

6. Community Safety Initiative

6.1 For 2002/03 this popular dual-funded local safety related scheme has a total budget of £120,000. This provides local councils with the facility to improve lighting locally by joining with the County Council to improve safety in areas. It is initiated by local residents making known specific problems to their respective councils, which could include such issues as road safety, personal safety or fear of crime.

6.2 There are no Community Safety Initiative schemes in Eastleigh Borough this financial year.

Recommendation

That the report be noted.

7392/AS