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50,000 Streetlights Changed to LED in Montreal

This project was set to replace 132,500 existing streetlights to LED models and install smart lighting management system simultaneously. As the biggest streetlight conversion project in North America, the project represents a total investment of CAD 110 million (US$ 82.39 million) in five year and is part of Montréal’s overall development as a city of innovation.

(image: Montreal City)

The streetlight conversion and city innovation project was carried out by four suppliers. Énergère, a Québec business, served as a technological integrator to supervise the other three manufacturers including DimOnOff, Current by GE and Telematic. DimOnOff was in charge for the integration platform, the management software, and to supply 20 percent of nodes and gateways. Currenty by GE, was the main equipment supplier who provide 60 percent of the lighting fixtures and Telematic Wireless provided the other 20 percent of nodes and gateways.

Isabelle Lessard, engineer and expert in responsible urban lighting for the city’s project, explained, “For us, it was the best way to secure a unique and progressive platform without depending on the technological limitations of a single supplier.”

The project has been conducted at a consistent rate of 6,000 converted streetlights per month and is expected to complete with smart lighting system implemented in 2022.

(Image: Montreal City)

Since the first phase, in September 2017, the city estimated that it saved 60 percent of energy consumption and 55 percent of equipment maintenance costs. Once the project is completed, it is expected that the saving would reach CAD 6.5 million per year.

Moreover, the new LED lights are also “dark sky” certified. Their custom beam direction meant to limit light pollution in the sky and sleep disruption of the surrounding fauna. In addition, the smart lighting management system allows for real-time measurements of energy consumption, the adjustment of light intensity based on weather conditions, based on traffic or during outdoor events, as well as for swift intervention in the case of broken or malfunctioning streetlights.