Opera House electrical use 'unethical' - audit

The Jersey Opera House is set to reopen to the public in May, but a recent report has raised concerns about its lighting system. An independent audit revealed that the current lighting setup is using an 'unethical' amount of electricity. This audit was conducted by a company called Lighting Plan during the final stages of the Opera House's refurbishment. The report highlighted that the older-style lighting and control systems are in dire need of modernization. It pointed out that these outdated fixtures consume up to 80% more electricity compared to modern LED lights, which is not environmentally friendly. The Opera House has been approached for comments regarding the findings, and the government has also been asked for their input. The report stated, 'The current fixtures are perfectly capable of lighting a wide variety of presentations including drama, dance, opera, musicals, comedy, and conferences. ' However, it also noted that most of the fixtures in the Opera House are older-style 'conventionals' that rely on tungsten sources, which require significant energy to operate. The report described the lighting system as 'hugely heavy on electricity consumption,' which is now considered 'unethical' for a theater that has recently undergone renovations. Additionally, the control system for the lights requires specialized training to operate, making it difficult for touring companies to use. They would likely prefer to use the standard equipment they are accustomed to. The report indicated that the lighting system will eventually need to be replaced. It suggested that the theater could open with the current fixtures as a temporary solution, but emphasized the importance of transitioning to more sustainable and energy-efficient lighting in the near future. The report recommended installing a full LED lighting rig, either all at once or in phases. It reiterated that after any refurbishment, the backlash against using inefficient technologies would be justified and would likely fail to meet the energy efficiency standards set before the renovations. In January, the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, stated that the infrastructure department had completed the building on time and within budget, but the internal technical aspects of the theater were not part of their responsibilities. The Jersey Opera House is a significant cultural venue, featuring a stunning interior with blue seats and a grand chandelier, and it plays an important role in the community by hosting various performances.