Torbay’s Streetlight Upgrade Targets Lower Bills and Cleaner Energy

Torbay is advancing a major streetlighting upgrade designed to reduce electricity costs, lower carbon emissions and improve control across the Bay. A new central management system is being paired with energy-efficient LED replacements, giving engineers real-time network data and more flexibility to adjust lighting for safety, maintenance and environmental needs.

Key takeaways

• Nearly 15,000 highway lights are being connected to a central management system.

• About three-quarters of the network had been upgraded by August.

• More than 3,400 older fixtures are being replaced with efficient LED units.

• The project is expected to cut carbon emissions by more than 200 tonnes annually.

• The system is scheduled to go live in November, ahead of plan.

Central control brings operational savings

Contractors are installing Telensa Central Management System equipment, including 12 base stations and telecells fitted to individual lights. The network will allow Torbay’s highways engineers to monitor performance remotely, identify faults more quickly and reduce the need for routine physical inspections.

For municipalities, commercial property managers and contractors, this approach reflects a wider shift toward connected lighting infrastructure. Centralized controls can make maintenance more responsive while providing better visibility into energy use—priorities also addressed by professional LED suppliers such as Led Lumenaires through spec-ready SKUs, bulk availability and Pro Support for larger lighting projects.

LED replacements support carbon goals

The rollout began in Torquay before moving to Brixham and Paignton. Alongside the control-system installation, more than 3,400 older fixtures are being fitted with new LED units. Remaining lights will be upgraded through the council’s ongoing maintenance program as they reach the end of their service life.

LED technology typically uses less electricity than older lighting sources and can deliver more consistent illumination. For public agencies and private-sector facilities alike, selecting durable, warrantied products and planning replacements around maintenance cycles can help control long-term operating costs. Led Lumenaires supports contractors and property teams with product selection, layouts, volume pricing and rebate guidance.

Smarter dimming and safer streets

The new system will support remote diagnostics, manual lighting adjustments and intelligent dimming. Lights can be tailored for events, maintenance work or emergencies, while output can be reduced during periods of low pedestrian activity without eliminating necessary illumination.

Torbay Council says the flexibility should balance energy efficiency with public wellbeing. Appropriate lighting levels may also support biodiversity and help address anti-social behaviour by ensuring streets are illuminated when needed.

Part of a broader climate program

Streetlighting is Torbay Council’s largest energy expense, making the project a significant element of its Climate Change Action Plan. The authority estimates that the upgrade will reduce annual emissions by more than 200 tonnes while delivering substantial savings on its energy bill.

Other initiatives include solar installations at 10 council-owned buildings, heat pumps at Paignton Library and Torre Abbey’s Arid House, electric vehicles and buses, energy upgrades at Torbay Leisure Centre, and the planting of 2,000 trees. Together, these measures show how lighting upgrades, building improvements and fleet changes can form a broader, practical decarbonization strategy.

Sources

• Torbay sees the light to cut energy bills and help save planet, Torbay Weekly.