A £2m investment to reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions will be considered by Dorset Council later this month.
Cabinet members are being asked to approve funding to accelerate the replacement of older streetlights with LED units and to support the next phase of solar panel installations across council owned buildings, with the aim of lowering bills and improving reliability.
The proposals include £1.3m to replace up to 4,000 street lighting lanterns during 2026 and 2027, alongside £700k for further solar panels, building on earlier phases already installed across the county.
Dorset Council says the LED upgrades are expected to reduce electricity use, cut maintenance risks as older lamp types reach the end of their life, and support savings already identified within budget proposals for future years.
The solar programme would add to a wider rollout of panels on council buildings, helping to generate clean electricity, reduce reliance on the grid and create potential income through exported power.
Leader of Dorset Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, Councillor Nick Ireland, said the investment would reduce running costs, lower emissions and help keep more funding focused on essential services for residents.
Cabinet will consider the proposals on 29 January 2026, with a public consultation on wider climate priorities continuing alongside the decision.
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