At a time when Hunter councils are reeling from the cost of street lighting, Cessnock City Council could lead the charge for solar lighting.

A report to tonight’s council meeting recommends that all new lights and existing mains-connected lights on council-owned and -controlled land be considered for solar lighting.

Greens councillor Chris Parker made a push in July for solar-powered street lights in Cessnock.

He said it would result in ‘‘substantial savings’’ in the council’s electricity bills.

Cr Parker said each solar pole would be about $3000 cheaper to install than a generic street light and were galvanised.

The report to tonight’s council meeting says that investigations indicate solar lighting is feasible for passive recreation areas, pathway lighting and security.

The council contacted Randwick council, which installed solar lighting at Maroubra Beach in March.

The lights have operated without fault, and further installations are planned.